Whitney Young Health (WYH)’s Community-Based Programs Team is providing asthma programs within the three school-based health centers they serve within the City of Albany School District. In the 2016-2017 school year, with the support of the Healthy Capital District Initiative’s Capital Region Asthma Coalition, over 40 2nd-6th grade students with severe persistent asthma participated in the “Yes I Can” asthma self-management program. The program was administered by the providers and medical assistants that were specific to each’s school-based health center. Pre and post-tests measured progress in self-management and knowledge about asthma.
Through the support of the Capital Region Asthma Coalition and the Alliance for Better Health, this year Whitney Young Health’s Reshamane Ramoutar, MA and Christina Chestnut, MA continued the 2nd-6th grade programming and expand their reach, by providing two push-in lessons on breathing, asthma, and allergies to all 1st grade classes within each school-based health center. Additionally, the program will conclude with a school-wide Asthma Fair that will draw in families, provide asthma-friendly foods, and offer opportunities for various community organizations participate in engaging with the school community.
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed. Whitney Young Health will work with you to develop an asthma action plan, learn your asthma triggers and symptoms, and help you stay as active and healthy as possible. Call (518) 465-4771 to make an appointment.