The following observations are based on the Asthma Coalition Study conducted during early 2000 by The Chest Foundation. Asthma coalitions are young and in a formative state. Approximately 3 out of every 4 have been started since January 1, 1997. Coalitions range in size from 4 members to 325 members. Interviews were held with a number of individuals involved in the development of coalitions.
Several responses demonstrate the variety found in coalitions as they begin.
This whole asthma initiative started in the hallway of our children's hospital when we got about 3 or 4 admissions one afternoon. Kids with asthma. Pediatric asthma was the number one reason for emergency dept. From that, we knew we needed to carry that information to someone else. We got our first group together.