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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 News

Two Michigan Asthma Management Programs Win EPA National Award

CHICAGO, May 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that two Michigan asthma management programs — the Asthma Network of West Michigan in Grand Rapids and the University of Michigan Health System in Ann Arbor — are among three programs nationwide to win EPA's 2008 National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management.

"These innovative programs are providing relief to asthma sufferers in their communities and are models for the rest of the country," said EPA Region 5 Acting Administrator Bharat Mathur. "The programs are truly a breath of fresh air for those who need their services."

The awards were presented May 1 at EPA's third annual National Asthma Forum in Washington, D.C. The programs were cited for their exemplary efforts to provide high-quality asthma care that includes environmental controls. The Monroe Plan for Medical Care in Rochester, N.Y., is the third award winner.

The awards recognize outstanding comprehensive asthma management programs for innovative and effective strategies that lead to improved patient health and quality of life. The winners are selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants and truly represent the standard of excellence in asthma care.

Some 23 million people in the United States, including nearly 7 million children, have asthma. Asthma is one of the leading causes of emergency room visits, hospitalizations and school absenteeism for children. Although there is no known cure, there are ways to lower the number of asthma attacks, including reducing exposure to environmental triggers.

May is Asthma Awareness Month. Information on how the public can join EPA's national effort to raise awareness of asthma is at www.epa.gov/asthma.

SOURCE U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5

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