December 11th, 2018
This guide was developed to assist asthma program staff of state health departments (SHDs) develop and implement asthma control programs. This effort will need collaboration with local health organizations, medical societies,tate or local government entities, managed care organizations, and other stakeholder organizations that have roles in asthma management, especially within local communities.
This guide outlines proven components of an asthma program. These components have been used by CDC asthma grantees who have completed the planning process and are implementing their state plans for asthma. An asthma program and an asthma plan are not synonymous. The asthma plan is written on the basis of activities completed within the SHD’s program–such as gathering and interpretation of surveillance, establishing a state-wide coalition, and identifying appropriate interventions. The asthma plan belongs to more than just the SHD; it represents of the commitment of engaged partners throughout the state to provide resources and complete activities according to an established time line with measurable objectives.
As CDC’s and the states’ asthma programs mature, we will learn more about what makes a successful asthma control program. The guidance provided here may change as programs evolve and our knowledge of asthma increases. However, many state asthma programs have existed long enough to prescribe fundamental approaches and methodologies to help SHDs that have not yet designed their approach to asthma control. We offer it in that spirit, and we welcome the insights and experiences of SHDs on how we can strengthen this document.
The target audience for this guide is SHDs who are applying for or receiving CDC funding for capacity building and asthma plan implementation. However, SHDs that do not receive asthma program funding from CDC may find elements of the guide useful in addressing asthma to the extent that their agencies have made this disease a health priority within their state.