What it is: The Asthma Education Center provides asthma education to children and their caregivers.

Statement of purpose: The purpose of this center is to promote and maintain the health of children with asthma.

Who may receive this service: Any child diagnosed with asthma or related diagnosis, from birth through age 17 is eligible. Various health plans are accepted as well as Medicaid/Medicare, NC Health Choice, BCBS of NC, and self-pay.

How this program is carried out: By appointment. Authorizations for various health plans will be needed and the staff can assist you with getting approval.

How the community benefits: Children and caregivers are better able to manage a child's asthma, understand his personalized Asthma Care Plan developed by or with the family physician, identify triggers in the environment that may cause an asthma attack, and understand and follow prescribed medication schedules. Maintaining a child on his Asthma Care Plan results in improved quality of life for the child, a reduction in school absenteeism, and fewer days of work absences for the parent.