Asthma has had a devastating impact on the Greater New Haven Community. Socioeconomically challenged children and adults are disproportionately affected. Racial and ethnic disparities are readily apparent. In addition to the social and health implications, cost of care continues to increase. Yale-New Haven Hospital and the Hospital of Saint Raphael have the highest rate of asthma related hospital admissions and Emergency Departments visits in Connecticut. Given these statistics the Partnership has made asthma prevention and treatment a priority and is developing the "Healthy Homes" Initiative.
"Healthy Homes" in an innovative and collaborative model which is designed to address the prevention and treatment of asthma. This program has four main components:
- "Easy Breathing"- Dr. Michelle Cloutier from Hartford developed this medical model which is a clinical pathway for asthma management. This new clinical model makes the National Standard of Care consistent among local service providers. Dr. Cloutier has had a great deal of success with this model and has implemented this model in many of the Federally Qualified Health Centers and community practices across the State. The State Department of Public Health awarded
Dr. Cloutier funding to support this program in New Haven.
- "Home Remediation"- This aspect of the program brings resources such as new rugs and removes other "triggers" in the homes of people with asthma in an attempt to reduce and/or eliminate the most acute asthma symptoms for patients. Funding for this has been secured through a New Haven Community Development Block Grant.
- "Safe Homes"- We will be renovating an apartment in the current lead-safe homes for patients to utilize while environmental triggers are being removed from their homes. Once the home has been remediated, patients can then return to their home and a safer environment.
- "Health Education and Outreach"- A work plan has been developed to educate the community about the prevention and treatment of asthma. A series of educational programs is currently being planned.