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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.
The Asthma Educator Institute
Breathe Well, Live Well
No On Tobacco (N-O-T)
Open Airways for Schools
Freedom from Smoking
 The Asthma Educator Institute is designed for the health care professional who provides asthma education to individuals living with asthma. The program provides the necessary knowledge base of asthma with an emphasis on techniques and practical application skills in delivering asthma education to patients.
Nationally, the American Lung Association and the American Thoracic Society have recognized the need for standardized training and quality assurance of asthma educators. The National Asthma Educator Certification Board (NAECB) began implementation of a national certification exam in 2002.
Beginning in 2007, the American Lung Association of Oregon began holding annual Asthma Educator Institutes to prepare medical professionals to sit for the exam and become Certified Asthma Educators (AE-C). CEUs are available for nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and public health.
The next institute will take place on May 6th and 7th, 2010 in Tigard, Oregon. Contact healthinfo@lungoregon.org to be added to the mailing list or to register.
The only adult asthma management program of it's kind. This community based program is validated and nationally tested to help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and respiratory problems. Materials available in English and Spanish.
CEUs offered.
 Cost of course and materials for ten participants is $300. For more information or to register, email healthinfo@lungoregn.org
 Open Airways for Schools (OAS) is a volunteer powered program that focuses on 3rd - 5th graders with asthma. OAS was introduced to Oregon in 1995, and has since been used in over 100 elementary schools throughout the state. It is our goal at the American Lung Association of Oregon to have OAS available to every elementary school in the state.
 OAS is an award winning program that empowers students to gain better self control of their asthma, increase self-efficacy of asthma medications, and have more self confidence to achieve goals inside and outside of the classroom. Students learn actions to take during an asthma episode, ways to reduce/eliminate exposure to triggers, how to properly self-administer medications, and how to communicate with parents, teachers, school nurses, and physicians about their asthma.
OAS has an interactive approach utilizing group discussion, stories, games, and role-play to promote children's active involvement. Children who have participated in Open Airways have experience fewer  and less severe asthma attacks, improved academic performance, more confidence in their ability to manage their asthma, and exert greater influence on their parents' asthma management decisions.
 These pictures, drawn by a 4th grader participating in OAS, illustrate the pre and post asthma knowledge gained by participating in Open Airways..
If you are interested in implementing OAS in your school or becoming a volunteer facilitator, please email healthinfo@lungoregon.org or call 503-924-4094.
 Offer America's gold standard smoking cessation program in your organization. A proven-effective program from the American Lung Association.
Freedom from Smoking has been the choice of employers, hospitals, and health plans for over 25 years. It motivates behavior change, succeeds where other programs fail, and helps people quit smoking for good. Delivered in a small group setting (up to 16 people), participants get personalized attention and the support of their peers. To meet the needs of different learning styles, each session includes lectures, group discussions, and skills practice.
Freedom from Smoking is delivered by individuals that have been specially trained by the American Lung Association. To request a brochure or learn about facilitator trainings, contact healthinfo@lungoregon.org or call 503-924-4094.
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