Georgia Asthma Control Program

Program Overview

The Georgia Asthma Control Program (GACP) is part of a national initiative launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health to reduce the burden of asthma and improve the health and quality of life for all persons affected by asthma through effective control of the disease.

Program Objective

  • Maintain a comprehensive surveillance system in Georgia by using data to track patterns and trends related to prevalence, burden and risks.
  • Implement science-based best practices to achieve positive health impacts.
  • Increase awareness and knowledge of the public and community regarding asthma-related issues.
  • Identify training needs and opportunities to improve knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practice regarding asthma.
  • Increase knowledge and improve the ability of patients and families to self-manage their asthma.
  • Increase awareness and management techniques among disparate populations.
  • Promote the highest standards available for the care, management and treatment of asthma.

Program Highlights

Georgia Asthma Control Plan (GACP) has developed a partnership with the Georgia Association of School Nurses (GASN). Through this partnership, the GASN will lead efforts towards the adoption and implementation of the CDC’s Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative throughout Georgia school systems. The core components of the program include: establishment of management and support systems for asthma friendly schools; providing appropriate school health and mental health services for students with asthma; providing asthma education and awareness programs for students and school staff; providing a safe and healthy school environment to reduce asthma triggers; providing safe, enjoyable physical education and activity opportunities for students with asthma; and coordinating school, family and community efforts to better manage asthma symptoms and reduce asthma-related school absences. The goal of this initiative is to reduce asthma related hospitalizations, emergency department visits and days missed from school.