Howard County CARES
COPD & Asthma Resources with Educational SupportThe Howard County CARES program is designed to address the increase in prevalence and disparities associated with asthma and COPD rates in Howard County, Maryland. The American Lung Association, with the assistance of a local endowment, will be implementing interventions in Howard County, Maryland to address the increase in asthma prevalence and assist with the current rate of COPD.
Background
Howard County, Maryland is home to just over 330,000 residents and prides itself on being ranked the healthiest county in the state by the U.S. News and World Report in 2021. Although the county’s overall health is ranked high, lung health is an area that still needs improvement. The Research and Evaluation Group at the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) completed a needs assessment in Howard County, Maryland to determine the prevalence of asthma and COPD in the area and identify where the gaps in care remain. The assessment reported 15% of residents are currently living with asthma and 22% of residents are currently living with a child with asthma, which is an increase in recent years. The number of residents with COPD has remained constant over the years, with 4% of residents reporting a diagnosis.
The CARES project will allocate the American Lung Association’s evidence-based, proven-effective asthma and COPD programs where resources are limited and will take place in individual’s homes, the community and healthcare setting. These programs will equip individuals with the necessary skills and resources to develop an effective self-management plan in partnership with their healthcare provider, in order to improve their symptoms and overall quality of life.
Resources
Educational Resources
- Asthma Basics
Free program designed to help participants learn more about asthma, offered as an English and Spanish online module, in person workshop and live webinar. (CME/CEUs are available for healthcare professionals) - Tobacco Basics
Free self-paced online module designed to help participants understand the toll of tobacco in the U.S. (CME/CEUs are available for healthcare professionals)
Group Support Programs
- Breathe Well Live Well
Adult asthma-self management programs that teaches participants ways to take control of their disease in order to live active and healthy lives. - Better Breathers Club
Group for individuals with lung disease to learn better ways to cope while receiving support from other’s living through a similar experience.
Online Support Programs
- Patient & Caregiver Network
Online support program providing timely education, lung disease management tools and connection to others living with lung disease and their caregivers. - Freedom From Smoking Plus
Flexible, online smoking cessation program.
Live Support Programs
- Lung Helpline
Free information and support from lung health experts over the phone and through live chat. - Environmental Improvements for COPD and Asthma
Virtual home assessment program for individuals with asthma and COPD to learn more about their disease, ways to reduce triggers and receive remediation supplies.
Asthma Management Resources
- Asthma Action Plan
Work with your healthcare provider to develop a medication plan for managing asthma symptoms. - Medication Poster
Listing of asthma and COPD medications. - Asthma Medication Devices
Videos demonstrating how to properly use asthma medications and devices.
For Students
- Open Airways for Schools
Proven and effective, evidence-based asthma self-management program for children ages 8-11. - Kickin’ Asthma
Fun and interactive asthma self-management for children ages 11-16. - Vape-Free Schools Initiative
Resources aimed at navigating students vaping, including the youth cessation and education program N-O-T and alternative to suspension initiative INDEPTH.
For Adults
- Freedom from Smoking Plus
Online smoking cessation program for parents or school personnel interested in quitting. - Breathe Well Live Well
Asthma-self management program that can be taken by high school seniors, school staff and parents that teaches participants ways to take control of their disease in order to live active and healthy lives.
Educational Opportunities
- COPD Educator Course
Professional education course for healthcare professionals who work with COPD patients. (CME/CEUs are available for healthcare professionals) - Asthma Educator Institute
Professional education course providing frontline healthcare professionals and asthma educators with the best practices for implementing asthma guidelines-based care. (CME/CEUs are available for healthcare professionals) - Enhancing Care for Children with Asthma
Quality improvement program designed to ensure clinics are providing high quality asthma care. (CME/CEUs are available for healthcare professionals)
Intervention Resources
- Ask, Advise, Refer to Quit Don’t Switch – Online module with strategies for conducting a brief and effective tobacco intervention with patients. (CME/CEUs are available for healthcare professionals)
- Ask, Counsel & Treat – Resource designed to support guiding clinical interactions around cessation with youth.
Supplemental Support
- Helpline
Free information and support from lung health experts over the phone and through live chat. - Patient & Caregiver Network
Online support network providing direct access to lung disease management tools, educational resources and connection to other patients and caregivers. - Asthma Action Plan
The importance of and how to develop an asthma management plan. - Medication Poster
Listing of asthma and COPD medications. - Asthma Medication Devices
Videos demonstrating how to properly use asthma medications and devices
Scholarships Available!
The CARES project is offering scholarships to individuals in Howard County, Maryland to become trained facilitators and participate in educational courses for free ($300-$400 value)! See a list of courses and trainings eligible for scholarships below:
- Open Airways for Schools - Facilitator Training
- Kickin' Asthma- Facilitator Training
- COPD Educator Course
- Asthma Educator Institute
- Breathe Well Live Well- Facilitator Training
- Freedom from Smoking- Facilitator Training
- N-O-T (Not on Tobacco- Facilitator Training
Please use the link below to complete the scholarship request form:
CARES Scholarship Request Form (office.com)
For more information about the Howard County Cares Program, please contact JaKaiya Frisby by email at [email protected]
