ASTHMA & ADVOCACY
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can be successfully controlled with proper care. Common symptoms include coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Five steps people with asthma can take to help stay healthy and lead fully active lives:
According to focus groups conducted by the NH Asthma Control Program, many health care providers feel one of the most important things people can do, if they have asthma or have children with asthma, is to learn about the condition and understand what they need to do in order to control it. Often this requires advocating for yourself in order to get the information, treatment, and resources you need.
Advocacy can take many forms: accessing and disseminating information, developing support networks and coalitions, promoting health and social concerns, being aware of legislation which affect public policy.
Examples of recent legislations in New Hampshire which positively affects people with asthma include:
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SB 042 (enacted into law in June 2007):
Banning smoking in bars and restaurants in New Hampshire. This legislation also bans smoking at fraternal, religious and social organizations if they open their doors for a public event.
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HB 129 (passed in July 2005):
Authorizing the state of New Hampshire to award up to 3% more building aid money to school districts for renovation or new construction projects qualifying schools as high performance schools. A current and active building maintenance plan must also be in place for schools to receive the additional funds. National and regional high performance school guidelines promote, among other building attributes that enhance student learning, state of the art indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
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HB0057 (passed in 2003):
Allowing pupils and campers with asthma to carry their inhalers.
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HB0092 (passed in 2003):
Allowing the use of epinephrine auto-injectors by pupils and campers with severe allergies.
NH Advocacy Resources
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New Hampshire Lung Association
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Parent Information Center:
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Toll Free: 1-800-947-7005
Phone: 603/224-7005
Regional Advocacy
National Organizations
