AAFA provides various programs for the community aimed at improving the quality of life for those who suffer from asthma and allergies. Some of the services provided include: Asthma Camp, Air Power Games, educational programs for children, adults, and seniors, and the Breathmobile.

There are currently 17 Breathmobiles, asthma clinics on wheels, throughout the country. Of those 17, 4 are in other states (Alabama, Illinois, Maryland, and Arizona). The Breathmobiles have put in place a coordinated and collaborated network to provide comprehensive care and to move asthma patients from episodic care to preventative care.

The Breathmobiles currently have two separate database systems on board; the Health Risk Assessment (HRA) system and the Asma-Trax system. In addition, these systems have also been made available to various medical institutions and clinics throughout the country.

The AsmaTrax system serves as an electronic medical record (EMR) for the Breathmobile. All 17 operational Breathmobiles utilize the AsmaTrax system; in fact, many have integrated the AsmaTrax EMR into their hospital’s own EMR system.

The Health Risk Assessment (HRA) survey system provides a structured systematic assessment of asthma control for each patient at each visit, along with individualized guideline-based recommendations for treatment, and a visual display of the patient’s pattern of asthma control over time.

Use of the HRA survey system is a benefit to both the provider and the patient. Before the visit, they both have a structured, thorough assessment with individualized recommendations for treatment. Furthermore, they have a visual chart showing the pattern of the patient’s asthma control over time. This “anticipatory guidance” has the effect of shifting the way that time is spent during the clinic visit. Less time is required for assessment and more time can be spent on developing a treatment plan that is likely to be in accordance with national standards, and on the education that is so important to shift patients to daily preventive care.

Currently the Breathmobiles work with various health insurers, including government sponsored programs such as Medicaid and Healthy Families. Through a continuous dialogue, a partnership has been formed with many insurers to reimburse the Breathmobile, their hospitals and respective counties, for services provided on the Breathmobile. The typical reimbursements collected by the Breathmobiles have ranged from $60 to $80.

AAFA conducts various workshops for physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists offering continuing education credits. AAFA also acts as the administrator of the California Society of Allergy, Asthma, and immunology (CSAAI) the professional group of Allergists in the state, in which there is access to continuing education and the most recent research and case studies.

AAFA provides “Asthma and Allergy Essentials for Child Care Providers”, validated educational tools, and is recognized nationally for its important strategies in the management of asthma.The course educates child care providers about how to care for children with asthma and allergic diseases and to provide them with a safe and healthy environment.

AAFA provides health education for asthmatics, in which they learn about the asthma triggers and methods to making their home and safe and healthy environment.

Five of the 17 Breathmobiles are currently being funded by our local air quality management district, South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). AAFA and the Breathmobiles work very closely with AQMD in regards to community health fairs, free health screenings and various public town hall meetings to raise awareness about asthma and to also discuss air quality issues affecting respective communities.

AAFA is also a member of local and state coalitions that are actively pursuing issues related to asthma.