In 1997, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified an "asthma contact" in each state health agency for the primary purpose of providing asthma updates. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) used this action as the catalyst to build statewide capacity for asthma planning. No additonal resources were available for this effort. This planned, monitored approach included organizing and leading Internal and State Agencies' Work Groups; developing a statewide asthma plan and action links with the Chicago Asthma Consortium; educating local health staff; and preparing and distributing reports. To achieve these actions, IDPH assessed the need for asthma-related capacity from the perspectives of professional and public education; local communities; data and surveillance; schools; and others. Having networks of committed and knowledgeable partners was critical to successful capacity-building. Examples of expanded capacity include: development of new community coalitions and local projects; inclusion of an asthma component into current service systems; new asthma legislation; and preparation of a successful application (one of four nationally) to CDC for expanded capacity-building. The Illinois experience demonstrates how, without additional resources, focused and committed planning can achieve a broad-based partnership that successfully builds capacity from asthma planning and programs.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify essential capacity-building elements for asthma control 2. Identify state-agency program areas and partners critical to successful capacity building 3. Recognize components for effective application of asthma planning
Keywords: Asthma, Community Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.