Activities

Central California Asthma Project
Health Professional Asthma Education Programs

All patient and provider education programs are conducted by trained, licensed health professionals.

Physicians

Continuing medical education (CME) accredited conferences for physicians in accordance with the 1997 NIH/NHLBI Expert Panel II Guidelines. Participants learn about the latest techniques for diagnosis, treatment and management of asthma from medical experts. Physicians receive the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) Practical Guide for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma and “Asthma Controller and Reliever” and “First Aid for Asthma” posters.

Registered Nurses

Continuing education (CE) training for registered nurses, including public health nurses and school nurses, are held to update participants regarding asthma diagnosis and instructing patients to effectively manage their asthma symptoms. Participants are provided with the NAEPP Practical Guide for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, Nurses: Partners in Asthma Care and “Asthma Controller and Reliever” and “First Aid for Asthma” posters.

Respiratory Therapists

Continuing education (CE) training for registered respiratory therapists train participants to effectively teach asthma patients to properly manage their condition using asthma “tools” which include medications, spacers, and peak flow meters. Participants are provided with the NAEPP Practical Guide for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma and “Asthma Controller and Reliever” and “First Aid for Asthma” posters.

School Personnel

Workshops and in-service education programs are provided for teachers, administrators, school nurses, coaching staff, and support personnel. Participants are provided with NAEPP educational material, including the Practical Guide for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma, Nurses: Partners in Asthma Care, Asthma & Physical Activity in the School, Managing Asthma: A Guide for Schools, Making A Difference…Asthma Management in the School, and How Asthma-Friendly Is Your School? and “Asthma Controller and Reliever” and “First Aid for Asthma” posters.

Pharmacists

Accredited continuing education (CE) workshops for pharmacists are held at various sites throughout the seven Central Valley counties. Pharmacists learn pharmacology and over-the-counter consultation techniques. Participants receive the NAEPP Practical Guide for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma and The Role of the Pharmacist in Improving Asthma Care.

Allied Health Professionals

In-service asthma education programs are available for allied health professionals, including social services staff, health educators and community health workers, on-site for the convenience of the participants. The programs focus on signs and symptoms of asthma, proper use of medications, spacers and peak flow monitoring. Participants receive a certificate of competition following asthma training.

All patient and provider education programs are conducted by trained, licensed health professionals. 

Children’s Programs

Wee Wheezers
Educational take-home video program for parents of children with asthma under 7 years of age. Parents learn about signs and symptoms of asthma, medications, early warning signs of asthma in children, when to call a physician, and avoiding asthma triggers. The program is available in English, Spanish and Hmong languages.

‘A’ is for Asthma
Educational program aimed at children 3 to 5 years of age and caregivers. The program consists of an entertaining 15-minute Sesame Street ‘A’ is for Asthma video, caregivers guide, and educational posters available in English and Spanish.

Open Airways for Schools
School-based program for school-aged children with asthma ages 8 to 11 usually held during school hours. The program format includes interactive group discussions, stories and games that teach basic asthma management and helps children with decision-making and communication skills.

Power Breathing
Asthma management program for middle school-aged students. The program focuses on the basics of asthma, effective management techniques, communication, and addresses social issues of importance to young adolescents. 

Asthma Camps
Children learn to manage their asthma and increase their activity level in a fun and medically supervised setting. Campers meet other children their age who are learning to cope and manage their asthma. The two camps include Camp Discovery Day Camp for children ages 6 to 9 and Camp Sierra Residential Camp for children 10 to 13 years of age.

Adult Programs

Asthma 101
Comprehensive program for parents, school personnel, health care providers, and patients with asthma. The program illustrates the definition of asthma, signs and symptoms, triggers, controller and reliever medications, inhaler and peak flow meter use, first aid for breathing emergencies, sample Asthma Action Plans, and effective management techniques. The program is available in English, Spanish and Hmong languages.

Breathe Easier
Program designed for adults and older teens with asthma. The program consists of three sessions 1.5 hours in length that focus on medications, breathing techniques, peak flow meters, triggers, when to notify a physician, and developing social skills. Patients learn how to communicate their needs and problems with their own health care provider and work to develop an Asthma Action Plan. 

Better Breather’s Club
Program for older adults with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and/or asthma. Club chapters meet monthly for information and social support. The programs are led by health professionals who specialize in the care of people with lung disease. The outline includes guest speakers, videos, literature, demonstrations, and interactive activities for participants. 

Worksite Programs
Program series instructed by trained health professionals who provide modified versions of Central California Asthma Project education programs at large work sites. Adults with asthma and parents and caregivers of children with asthma learn about early warning signs, medications, and developing an Asthma Action Plan.

The San Joaquin Valley Health Consortium was founded in 1972. Our mission throughout the San Joaquin Valley is to improve healthcare.  This is done by taking a proactive role to identify needs, acquire resources, coordinate the use of resources, disseminate information, promote health education and respond to health opportunities. 
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