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Laurie Stillman, MM, Asthma Regional Council of New England, The Medical Foundation, 622 Washington St., 2nd floor, Dorchester, MA 02124, (617)451-0049 x504, laurie.stillman@verizon.net
In the past year, over 20 million Americans had asthma nationwide and 12 million had an asthma attack, making it the fastest growing chronic disease in country. In New England alone almost one million adults have asthma, the highest rate of adult asthma in the country. A unique collaboration of agencies and organizations in the New England region has joined forces to form the Asthma Regional Council in order to stem the tide of rising asthma cases. This coalition of officials and community organizations has formed across disciplines and state boundaries, with a membership consisting of a variety of grassroots community groups as well as officials from both federal and state agencies in the areas of public health, environment, education and housing. Over 100 individuals representing a wide range of organizations work jointly to accomplish common goals and objectives in the fight against asthma. This unique coalition enables community advocates affected by the disease to work hand in hand with those serving in official positions to protect them against environmental health threats. The executive director of ARC will share with participants her experiences of bringing a diverse group of individuals to the same table for a shared goal and how fostering collaborations among ARC partners has led to positive changes in policy and disease prevention efforts in the New England states.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Asthma, Collaboration
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.