Montana Asthma Control Program
The Montana Asthma Control Program is committed to improving the quality of life for all Montanans with asthma. To address the burden of asthma in Montana, the Asthma Control Program (MACP) was created in July 2007 with funding allocated by the MT State Legislature. The MACP was awarded additional funding in the form of 5-year competitive grants from the CDC’s National Asthma Control Program in 2009, 2014, and 2019. The program is housed within the Public Health and Safety Division (PHSD) of the MT Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
You might be one of almost 94,000 people in Montana who have asthma. Learning more about your asthma can help you take control; with well-controlled asthma, you can live a full, active life and experience few troubling symptoms. One key component of asthma control is proper inhaler technique. Another is working with your team of health care professionals, including school nurses, pharmacists, and your primary care provider. If your child has asthma, you may have access to an asthma home visiting program in your area to help you learn more about what his or her triggers are and how to avoid them. Other community programs to help with conditions such as diabetes and arthritis may also be available.
Asthma News
Montana Asthma Home Visiting Program (MAP) Expansion
As of May of 2022, the MAP is accepting referrals from providers and individuals for Montanans living in all 56 counties. 9 local MAP sites will continue to provide in-person home visiting services in as many as 29 counties, while virtual home visiting is available in every county. Participants receive asthma education, a home environmental assessment, asthma trigger reduction tools, and referrals to community services. All participants must have a confirmed asthma diagnosis. Providers can refer patients in a number of ways and individuals can self-refer to the program using the referral portal in the right hand menu section of this website. See the Asthma Home Visiting Program page for more details.
Upcoming events
Becoming an Asthma Educator and Care Manager
When: Thursday, May 18th 1:00-5:00 pm
Where: Virtual
Registration $50- Approved for 4.0 contact hours of Pharmacy, Nursing, and Respiratory CE
If you interact with people with asthma, this is a great course for you! Learn to holistically approach the education of patients and families with asthma. Care topics discussed are asthma prevalence, goals of therapy, pathophysiology, controlling factors that contribute to severity, pharmacotherapy, medical administration, monitor symptoms, co-morbidities, and optimizing education. Application of core topics is reviewed through interactive case studies.
Questions: jennifer.vansyckle@mt.gov
Register today at https://www.umt.edu/ces/conferences/asthma/
Montana Asthma Advisory Group (MAAG) Meeting
When: May 24th, 2023
Where: Virtual
Visit the MAAG webpage to sign-up as a member and for more meeting information.
Air Quality Resources
Visit the Montana Dept of Public Health and Human Services website devoted to air quality resources to learn about how you can stay healthy during poor air quality days year round.