Hispanics in Florida Burdened by Asthma
American Lung Association Issues New Report in its Disparities in Lung Health Series
TALLAHASSEE, Fla (October 25, 2011)—
The American Lung Association released a new report today, Luchando por el Aire: The Burden of Asthma on Hispanics, which provides an overview of the complex biological, environmental, political and cultural factors that increase asthma’s burden on the Hispanic population in Florida and across the country. This report is part of the Lung Association’s Disparities in Lung Health Series.
“In Florida, there are more than 4 million Hispanics, many of whom may be needlessly suffering from asthma,” says Martha Bogdan, chief executive officer and president of the American Lung Association in Florida. “But without access to the necessary healthcare, this manageable and treatable disease can become very serious, even life threatening.”
The Spanish title of this new report is the best translation of “fighting for air,” an experience that is all too common among Hispanics with asthma. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics with asthma are less likely to be in the care of a regular doctor or clinic; less likely to be prescribed appropriate medicines; less likely to have access to specialized care; and more likely to end up being treated in the emergency department or hospitalized in a crisis.
“Florida has a unique and diverse Hispanic population,” Bogdan continued. “It has the second highest population of Puerto Ricans in the United States. This report revealed this population to have an especially high rate of asthma, more than non-Hispanic blacks or Caucasians.”
Unfortunately, more than 25 percent of Hispanics in the U.S. lack a regular source of medical care, and when they get sick they are more likely to end up being treated in the emergency department or hospitalized. Although Hispanics are only 16 percent of the U.S. population, they account for nearly one-third of people who do not have health insurance nationwide.
When it comes to managing their asthma, Hispanics also face other burdens that are due to the environment, poverty and stress. For example, Hispanics are 165 percent more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of particulate matter pollution, and 51 percent more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone compared to non-Hispanic whites. In the American Lung Association’s State of the Air report released earlier this year 10 of Florida’s counties received a D or F on their clean air report card.
Poverty and stress have been shown to affect the body’s immune response, increasing inflammation and worsening asthma. At 21.5 percent, more Hispanics in this country live below the poverty level compared to the U.S. average of 12.5 percent.
The American Lung Association in Florida provides Spanish language assistance to children and adults with asthma
- The American Lung Association's Open Airways For Schools is a school-based curriculum available in Spanish that educates and empowers children through a fun and interactive approach to asthma self-management. It teaches children with asthma ages 8-11 how to detect the warning signs of asthma, avoid their triggers and make decisions about their health.
- The Lung HelpLine, 1-800-LUNGUSA, offers one-on-one support from Spanish-speaking registered nurses and respiratory therapists. Individuals have the opportunity to seek guidance on asthma control and find out how to participate in Lung Association asthma programs, Breathe Well, Live Well and Open Airways For Schools.
In addition to expanding the Lung Association’s capability to provide its programs to members of the Hispanic community, there are also several other action steps to help reduce the burden of asthma and help everyone breathe easier. These steps are details in the full report, and include making sure that federal agencies continue to aggressively implement the Affordable Care Act; that the CDC continue to fund the National Asthma Control Program; and for public and private funders to increase the investment in disparities-related research.
###
About the American Lung Association in Florida
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in Florida is the leading organization in the state working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association in Florida, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungfla.org.
