Coordinated Asthma Referral and Education (CARE) Program

The Coordinated Asthma Referral and Education (CARE) Program is a pediatric home visitation program providing case management services. CARE provides one-on-one asthma education, home environmental assessment, and distribution of equipment and supplies to address environmental triggers associated with asthma. Referrals to the CARE program come from school nurses, parents, physicians, healthcare providers, and the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center Breathmobile program. The program is also promoted through presentations at community health fairs, advertisements, and flyers distributed in hospitals. Qualifying families receive three home visits from CARE Program staff. The initial home visit includes education, identification of asthma triggers in the home, instruction in asthma control, and emphasis on communication with school personnel and physicians. The program provides children with pillow and mattress covers, an air purifier, cleaning supplies, and an informational packet including a DVD and handouts. When necessary, the program provides peak flow meters, spacers, and portable nebulizers. All services, equipment, and supplies are provided at no cost to the families.

The goal of the CARE Program is to raise community awareness about asthma, coordinate services within target communities, and help families learn how to control and manage asthma.

During its second year, the CARE Program conducted 160 initial home visits and 133 follow-up home visits. At the follow-up, more than 100 patients reported an increase in symptom-free days and a decrease in missed days of school. CARE has received 118 referrals through partnership with the Breathmobile program. Of those referrals, 106 have participated in the CARE program. The CARE Program was awarded two additional years of funding through the South Coast Air Quality Management District to continue and expand the program services throughout the county.