Asthma in California is a complex problem requiring interventions that optimize use of limited public health and health care resources. The interventions must therefore be coordinated between the private and public sectors; across the public sector; at large, medium, and small geographic levels; and over time.

A model approach to address asthma includes vigorous research, full capacity to monitor its distribution and trends, effective clinical management protocols that are widely known and used, informed, and supportive family members and caregivers, policies designed to protect those with asthma, institutions that accommodate the needs of people with asthma, and a safe indoor and outdoor environment.

Over the past five years, California has benefited from significant investment in asthma by prominent foundations, feeral agencies, and from state tobacco tax funds. Childhood asthma programs and chronic disease collaboratives have demonstrated tremendous improvements in the quality of clinical asthma care and in reducing disparities. Comprehensive information on ashtma has been obtained, organized at the county level, and disseminated widely. Community coalitions have increased in number and strength. These coalitions have worked with clinics, hospitals, schools, and local air districts to raise awareness of asthma. Legislation was passes to improve air quality, decrease traffic related emissions, empower sudents to carry asthma medications, and decrease exposure to tobacco smoke in public places.

Goal 1 highlights the framework required to accomplish the other goals of this ambitious Plan. It directs attention to building and reinforcing an effective public health infrastructure statewide, regionally, and locally. Broad public-private partnerships will lead to effective communication and strong coordination. Coordinated governmental efforts will assure that progress on the Plan is monitored, successful interventions are widely shared, and that resources will be available to support the many state and local initiatives required to address asthma. Continuous evaluation of Plan partnerships, implementation, and achievements will allow for more focused and effective efforts to prevent, manage, and control asthma in the years to come and to achieve the greatest benefits for all people with asthma.