Asthma affects a disproportionate number of New Yorkers, both children and adults. HHC is working aggressively to help afflicted New Yorkers to manage the disease. HHC is especially concerned with keeping children in school and out of the emergency room.

HHC has called upon the latest technology to battle this debilitating disease. HHC health care professionals develop asthma action plans, using electronic health records to create self-management "contracts" for their patients. The plans include detailed instruction about the use of prescribed medication, flow meters and ways to avoid asthma triggers. Early results are promising: 2,000 fewer asthma-related pediatric emergency room visits and at least 600 fewer hospital admissions took place in FY 2006.

Click here to locate an HHC hospital near you, all of which offer treatment for asthma.

Click here to locate a child health center near you, where children can receive treatment to manage asthma symptoms and prevent hospitalizations.