Broward County: Creating Sustainability for Asthma Awareness and Education in Broward County

The School Board of Broward County (SBBC) was awarded a 5 year asthma grant from the CDC-DASH in 2008. Broward County Public Schools being the sixth largest school district in the country with approximately 16,000 students identified as having a diagnosis of asthma, the priority was and still is to provide education to students, parents, and school staff. Health Education Services began by reviewing and revising the SBBC’s existing asthma policy and procedures already in place, and developing a uniformed Student Asthma Action Plan. The Asthma Improvement Management (AIM) Program then set out to develop an age-appropriate asthma curriculum to provide students with asthma from grades K-8 asthma education, as well as parents and school personnel. In its infancy, Year 1, the AIM Program had limited capacity to promote and market asthma awareness and to deliver asthma education in BCPS and in the Broward County community.

By Year 2 the AIM Program expanded partnerships with the America Lung Association (ALA) and Nova Southeastern University, and developed a partnership with the Florida Center for Allergy and Asthma Care (FCAAC) which strengthened its capacity to promote, market, and deliver asthma education in Broward. Collaborating with our local community partners allowed the following accomplishments: The Student Asthma Action Plan was approved to replace the standard Medication Authorization form for students with asthma for School Year 2010-2011. Out of the 16 pilot schools in BCPS, 73% of the students identified with asthma now have a Student Asthma Action Plan on file at school. Asthma education was delivered to 1775 BCPS students, and to 2353 teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, custodial, clerical, transportation, teacher-aids, and cafeteria staff. Through collaborations with community partners AIM reached 382 parents by providing asthma updates and disseminated asthma brochures to 3488 individuals through community outreach. More recently asthma education has gained momentum as Memorial Healthcare System, the largest in South Broward County recognized the efforts of the AIM Program and will partner with us to market, promote, and deliver asthma education in BCPS and communities throughout Broward County.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Adella Earle
School Board of Broward County
adella.earle@browardschools.com
www.browardschools.com/