Health planning that magnifies the community's voice: allies against asthma

Allies Against Asthma, a working group of the Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH), conducted a comprehensive asthma needs assessment in Hampton Roads, Virginia, in 2001. Results from extant data and parent surveys indicated that asthma prevalence was high (15% to 18%), 45% to 50% of children received primary care for asthma in the emergency department, 30% had been recently hospitalized, and most children were not adequately medicated. Focus groups revealed inadequate asthma education, low income, lack of resources and consistent care, disparities in insurance coverage, and noncompliance with national asthma guidelines. An integrated community asthma action plan was developed and funded. Members were satisfied with the planning process--88% felt the plan reflected the needs assessment, and 86% agreed the plan would effectively improve asthma management. Interventions commenced in January 2002. The inclusive process that led to these interventions will ensure that the project is successful and sustainable.