Ontario Lung Association Asthma Action Program

Asthma Action Program Activities – World Asthma Day (WAD, May 1, 2012) Focus was on Work Related Asthma A booklet and a tri fold pamphlet for employers and workers in the high risk hair and nail industry developed. Queen’s Park announcement in the Legislature May 1, 2012 Representatives from the Ontario Lung Association were at Queen’s Park May 1 st, in honor of World Asthma Day. Energy Minister Chris Bentley (London West) asked questions referencing World Asthma Day.

Media Activities – Radio Buy Worked with Toronto’s CHUM FM station on radio educational scripts that raised awareness of World Asthma Day and work- related asthma. Total reach was 837,300 Other Media activities related to WAD included CHCH Hamilton, AM 800CLW Windsor and CBC French radio. Included live on-air interview with the physician Chair of Work Related Asthma Committee

Media Activities – Seasonal Public education campaigns: 1.Summer awareness program 2.Back to School/Week 38 campaign 3.Weather Network messages - asthma and cold air messages 4.The holidays and asthma featuring a media campaign on the December spike Supplemented these activities with regular posts to Facebook and Twitter Articles printed in the asthma e-newsletter and media

New “Child Asthma Management Plan” for daycares and early years – collaboration with PHSAP (available in French) OLA/PHSAP revised the booklet “Creating Asthma Friendly Child Care Centres” OPHEA & OLA collaboration for our resources Revision to the Asthma Care Map for Primary Care Providers completed breathe – App project committee/ steering committee/ BE Asthma Action Program - Resources

Asthma Control Check, the Ontario Lung Association’s pamphlet addressing the asthma control assessment questions were revised to be in line with 2012 CTS asthma guidelines and in appearance Inhalation devices CDs now available on ‘You Tube’ Asthma Action Program - Resources

Asthma Active Booklet Revision Revision of the Asthma Active booklet for children aged 7-10 will be completed. 2013/2014 will be printed Includes the story of Raven, a child with asthma who keeps it well controlled and is very active, having won many championships in Karate and Taekwondo competitions. Asthma Action Program - Resources

First Nations Presentations Six one hour workshops via Ontario Telemedicine Network to Keewaytinook Okimakanak Tele-Mushkiki (KOTM) in the area of Sioux Lookout. Presentations to Community Health Representatives –What is Asthma? –Triggers/Allergies & Avoidance/Management –Asthma Medication –Warning Signs and Symptoms and Action Plan – Zones (Green, Yellow, Red) –Special Considerations i.e. pregnancy, exercise, aspirin and other medicines, smoking –Seasonal Preparation i.e. getting ready for spring Asthma Action Program

New Educational Resources for First Nations Communities “Walking a Good Walk With Asthma- an educational workbook”, a collaboration supported by Health Canada with The Asthma Society and The Assembly of First Nations The LEGEND OF TAHNEE, The Wolf, My Asthma Journey. Designed by Dené artist Carla Gilday and informed by First Nations children with asthma, it uses nature and picture stories to convey key messages. Part of the Asthma Sphere initative sponsored by AllerGen in collaboration with The University of Alberta, The Alberta Children’s Centre and the Ontario Lung Association Asthma Action Program

Work Plan 2013/2014 Objective 1 Expand on seasonal media campaigns to promote asthma awareness Use social media portfolios. Link OLA website and materials to other credible websites Objective 2 – Assess other credible places to distribute asthma resources in print or digital formats Assess gaps in current resources Dissemination plans for the asthma care map, integration into the EMRs

Work Plan 2013/2014 Objective 3 Consider a different way to prepare summary reports for distribution to our APA partners Objective 4 – Professional Development – poster presentation at CRC and submit an abstract for a poster at the CNRC Objective 5 To support primary care initiatives, look at exploring partnerships with organizations such as the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA), AllerGen, Clean Air Champions

World Asthma Day May 7, 2013 Theme: Creating Asthma-Friendly Environments Create awareness about the need to support children with asthma where they live & work & play Deliver key messages about Creating Asthma Friendly Environments to policymakers, school board trustees, school staff, parents and caregivers Friendly question asked to the Minister of Health during question period to raise awareness of asthma & APA Plans for a press conference at Queen’s Park, or at a local school on the morning of World Asthma Day. Dr Sharon Dell, spokersperson, OPHEA/ PHSAP Coordinators and OLA This strategy will be supported by social media assets such as Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

World Asthma Day May 7, 2013 Will Highlight the Seven Goals for Creating Asthma Friendly Environments: Establish a process to identify children with asthma Allow children with asthma easy access to (fast-acting) inhalers Establish a process for handling worsening asthma Identify and reduce exposure to common asthma triggers within the environment Encourage children with asthma to participate in all activities, especially physical activities, to the best of their abilities Provide staff, parents and the children opportunities to learn about asthma Collaborate with families, health care professionals and staff to create asthma friendly environments