Asthma has been identified as a public health concern in Puerto Rico. In 2022, the prevalence of current asthma in children and adolescents. - Asthma has been identified as a public health concern in Puerto Rico. In 2022, the prevalence of current asthma in children and adolescents was 10.1%a, while in adults, it reached 12.2%b. A comparative analysis with U.S. states reveals that Puerto Rico ranks among the jurisdictions with higher prevalence rates for adultsb. Additionally, Puerto Ricans exhibit higher asthma prevalence compared to other U.S. populations c. Recognizing not only the high asthma prevalence but also the substantial rates of uncontrolled asthma (59.6% in adults and 40.9% in children)d, the Puerto Rico Department of Health initiated programs to assist individuals in managing their condition. The Asthma Management and Control Unit was established to oversee these programs with funding provided by the CDC. As part of the strategies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with asthma, we propose the implementation of the EXHALE strategies as outlined below: (E) conducting asthma management workshops for children and adults in homes, schools and community activities; (X) actively promoting the Puerto Rico Quitline (smoking cessation line) in all educational interventions and making referrals; (H) delivering the VÍAS project with three home visits to identify asthma triggers, offering recommendations to reduce or eliminate them, and providing educational materials alongside an asthma self-management educational intervention; (A) offering training sessions to healthcare professionals on asthma management and advocating for adherence to the asthma action plan; (L) collaborating with various institutions to secure agreements addressing the needs of VÍAS project participants, including home improvements and relocation, also to extend our impact to more individuals with asthma and avoid duplicity of efforts; and (E) sustaining education initiatives on laws including Law 56 of 2003, which regulates asthma medication administration in schools, Administrative Order 473, governing action plan compliance, and Law 40 of 1993, as ammended, regulating smoking in public and private spaces. With these projects, we aim to decrease Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations due to asthma in Puerto Rico. For instance, analyzing data from VÍAS project participants in 2018, we observed that Emergency Room visits within the one-year before the initial VÍAS intervention totaled 26, and within the one-year afterward, they decreased to 8. Similarly, hospitalizations reduced from 30 before the project to 2. These outcomes highlight the tangible impact of our initiatives in mitigating acute asthma-related healthcare utilization, emphasizing the effectiveness of our interventions in improving overall respiratory health outcomes for the community. Our Unit will concentrate its services on children and adolescents with asthma in the health regions of Arecibo and Caguas. These regions were identified due to their higher asthma prevalence and elevated rates of Emergency Room visits and hospitalizations compared to other areasd. However, it is important to note that we are committed to providing all individuals with asthma services based on their needs. Our inclusive approach ensures that our interventions address the diverse needs of the entire asthma-affected population, promoting comprehensive respiratory health across Puerto Rico.
