Proposal to implement evidence-based EXHALE strategies to improve asthma outcomes in New Jersey with a focus on vulnerable populations that have disparate asthma ED visits and hospitalizations. - Project Abstract Summary The New Jersey Department of Health’s Childhood and Adult Asthma Program (CAAP) will seek to advance health equity by reducing the undue burden of asthma prevalence in children in grades pre-k3rd residing in Trenton, New Jersey. This will be implemented through a comprehensive approach of increasing access and coordination of care for medical management of asthma symptoms, asthma self-management education, and environmental health services to reduce asthma triggers in the home. T The implementation of EXHALE strategies will be used to address environmental and social drivers that contribute to the high asthma burden. Strategies include: Targeted Identification: NJDOH, in collaboration with a community partner, will enhance the linkage between the local Health Information Exchange (HIE) and school records by focusing on schools in areas with higher poverty rates and greater demographic diversity. This targeted approach will help identify children disproportionately affected by asthma, considering factors such as socioeconomic status and environmental risks. Culturally Competent Care Coordination: A culturally competent and trauma-informed care model will be used once children with potential asthma are identified through their absenteeism records. Community Health Workers (CHWs), who are culturally and linguistically reflective of their communities, will be able to communicate effectively with families. They will provide education, facilitate access to healthcare, and bridge any gaps in understanding or trust between healthcare providers and the community. Community Engagement and Empowerment: The goal is to engage community members in designing and implementing health initiatives. This includes forming focus groups or community advisory boards that include parents, teachers, and local healthcare providers to provide feedback on the program's effectiveness and cultural appropriateness. Further, health education materials will be developed in the most common languages prevalent within the Trenton community. These materials will address common misconceptions about asthma and its management and provide clear instructions on when and how to seek help. Workshops and information sessions will be held in community centers, schools, and religious centers to reach a wider audience. Equitable Access to Care: Once the target population has been identified, their access to necessary medications and treatments will be assessed. Partnerships with local health agencies and community organizations will address any barriers to access, such as lack of insurance, transportation issues, or insufficient understanding of how to navigate the healthcare system. Data Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the data collected through this integrated health information system will be essential. This will include tracking outcomes based on demographic variables to ensure the interventions effectively reduce asthma disparities. Feedback mechanisms will be established to continuously refine and improve the program based on real-world performance and community input.
