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Approximately 345,000 Oregonians have been diagnosed with Asthma. There is no cure for asthma, and we aren't sure what causes it. However, people with asthma can live healthy, active lives when they manage their asthma correctly. The following programs are offered as a way to support "symptom free" asthma.
A is for Asthma
Breathe Well, Live Well
No On Tobacco (N-O-T)
Better Breathers Clubs
Nebulizer Donation Program
 The American Lung Association partnered with Sesame Street and the
Prudential Foundation to create "A is for Asthma. This short
bi-lingual video teaches pre-school children and their caregivers
how to better manage asthma.
Elmo, Rosita, and other Sesame Street friends
sing and dance as they learn what to do if someone is having trouble
breathing.
This video may be checked out from the American
Lung Association of Oregon's Tigard office or purchased for $17 at
the Sesame Street website below:
http://www.sesameworkshop.org/EducationalResources/
Is your asthma under Control? Answer "yes" to even one question below and you could benefit from the Breathe Well, Live Well program!
- Do you take your quick relief inhaler more than TWO times a week?
- Do you wake up at night with asthma symptoms more than TWO times a month?
- Do you refill your quick relief inhaler more than TWO times a year?
Learn to control your asthma and feel better. Breathe Well, Live Well is an adult asthma management program from the American Lung Association. It can help you control your asthma and reduce symptoms. That means you can enjoy more activities.
How does it work? Breathe Well, Live Well is for small groups (around 10 people) so you get personal attention. The program includes three steps: Orientation (a brief phone call), Group workshop (approximately 4-5 hours of discussion and skills practice), and Follow-up (a brief phone call).
What's covered? At the workshop, you'll receive a workbook that covers the following topics: understanding asthma and breathing, talking to your healthcare providers, early warning signs of an asthma episode, recognizing and controlling triggers, asthma control medications, identifying and tracking symptoms, and using a written asthma action plan.
Who teaches it? Breathe Well, Live Well is taught by an American Lung Association-trained facilitator. You can feel comfortable knowing this program is backed by the country's leading lung health organization.
Why participate? It's simple - Breathe Well, Live Well works. Developed with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Breathe Well, Live Well has been proven effective through nationwide testing. People in the program report: less severe asthma, fewer respiratory problems, and better ability to stick to their treatment plan.
Breathe Well, Live Well is currently being offered in select communities across Oregon. To find a Breathe Well, Live Well class in your area, contact healthinfo@lungoregon.org,
 The American Lung Association of Oregon has many resources on preventing and living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. ALAO also supports a Better Breathers Club for patients, family members, friends, or anyone interested in the better management of COPD.
The Better Breathers Club combines educational information with informal sharing and social opportunities. Educational programs include videos, literature demonstrations and presentations by guest physicians, respiratory therapists and other health care and social welfare professionals.
The "BBC" is also people helping people - an opportunity for mutual support and sharing ideas and experiences. BBC groups usually meet on a monthly basis in locations throughout the state. Joining a group is a simple matter of contacting the American Lung Association. View a list of Oregon BBC groups.
For more information on lung disease contact healthinfo@lungoregon.org or call 503-924-4094.
 The American Lung Association of Oregon recognizes that lung disease disproportionately affects certain populations - including individuals with limited finances. Often, individuals with asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis who have no or limited health insurance have a difficult time covering the cost of nebulizers, c-pap machines, oxygen concentrators and other respiratory equipment needs.
In response, The Nebulizer Exchange Program was created to facilitate the exchange of nebulizers (and other durable medical equipment) from Oregonians who no longer need them to Oregonians who would have financial difficulty otherwise receiving them. Download a brochure about this program.
In partnership with CARE Medical Equipment, ALAO is working to help ensure Oregonians are able to properly manage their lung disease. CARE Medical Equipment cleans, inspects, and stores the equipment until needed. A physician's order is required to receive donated equipment. Download a request form.
Nebulizer drop-off is at the American Lung Association of Oregon's office located at 7420 SW Bridgeport Road, Suite 200; Tigard, OR 97224-7790. All donations are tax deductible
For more information contact healthinfo@lungoregon.org or call 503-924-4094.
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