These materials are disseminated during presentations at health fairs, meetings of support groups, schools, to industry, government, and community organizations. NGOs are also involved in research, and make available results of population-based studies and surveys to companies or others investing in the care of people with asthma. Private Industry Insurance and managed care companies are active in education and outreach through classes, workshops, and programs on asthma-related topics such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, smoking cessation, and chronic disease management. One program designed for members and their physicians to better manage asthma integrates comprehensive education in asthma self-management and instruction in the use of asthma management equipment designed for home use. The pharmaceutical industry is active in asthma outreach as well.
Several companies provide educational materials directly to asthma patients.
Others fund educational services carried out by other groups. A number of Federal agencies other than DHHS support research, public education and outreach programs related to asthma. In partnership with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, EPA supports an innovative research centers program on children's environmental health and disease prevention, including asthma. EPA supports research and dissemination of information relating to the health effects associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. It also supports education and outreach programs in schools and communities related to environmental aspects of asthma through such programs as Childhood Champions and Tools for Schools.