“Winning with Asthma”

Tulsa is expanding the “Winning with Asthma” online training program for better asthma supervision and control. The program targets coaches, physical education teachers, and those in asthma management. Started by health departments in Minnesota and Utah, the program grew to include Oklahoma and a total of seven states, which was made possible by the Lt. Governors’ Association.

By completing the “Winning with Asthma” training, coaches and teachers are more knowledgeable about the disease, its effects on athletes’ ability, and how to respond to asthma attacks. Program participants watch a 30-minute video and complete a post-quiz online, allowing them to receive a completion certificate and clipboard with informational resources on asthma management. More than 8,000 people have successfully completed this training. Tulsa aims to increase the number of participants significantly and encourages coaches in all school districts to take part. With one in every 15 people suffering from asthma (according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America), knowing how to respond to asthma is a vital aspect to public health and safety.

Oklahoma launched “Winning with Asthma” yesterday at Nathan Hale High School. Tulsa physician Dr. Jane Purser, Central High School Head Football Coach Cory Russell, and Lt. Governor Askins spoke. Audience members included representatives from the American Lung Association and Tulsa Mayor Taylor’s office, student athletes, Nathan Hale High School faculty and co-athletic coordinators, and health department officials. For training and additional information on “Winning with Asthma,” visit: www.winningwithasthma.org