Press Release

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April 29, 2004

In recognition of May 4 being World Asthma Day, the West County Asthma Coalition is hosting a kickoff event open to the public in Richmond to launch its free In-Home Asthma Trigger Checkup Program.

The event will feature videotaped demonstrations of an asthma trigger checkup, plus assorted information and refreshments. It is scheduled for Tuesday, May 4, from 4 - 6 p.m. at Nevin Center, 598 Nevin Avenue in Richmond.

"Common things like tobacco smoke, dust, mold and even scents and sprays can trigger an asthma episode," said Cedrita Claiborne, a health educator with the West County Asthma Coalition. "We may improve the health of a child with asthma by making even the smallest changes in the home environment to reduce triggers."

The West County Asthma Coalition has trained a group of West Contra Costa County residents to be Asthma Community Advocates. They will come to any home in West County to conduct free Asthma Trigger Checkups and demonstrate ways to reduce triggers in low-cost, non-toxic ways.

"The advocates only come after being invited by the residents," said Claiborne. "They are not home inspection or medical professionals, but they are concerned neighbors who have learned how to identify asthma triggers and give advice about reducing them."

Funding for the West County Asthma Coalition is provided by The California Endowment and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through Contra Costa Health Services' Community Wellness & Prevention Program.

"Asthma is the cause of more school absences than any other chronic disease," said Kim Cox, an asthma program manager for Contra Costa Health Services. "We hope this Checkup Program spreads the word about creating healthier environments for children in West County."

For more information, or for West County residents to request an In-Home Asthma Trigger Checkup, call 925-313-6764 or visit cchealth.org.

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