Metro
 
 

 

 

 

 


Monday, June 25, 2007

Chairs: Dr. Brenda Guyer and Dr. Pramod Kelkar

American Lung Association of Minnesota

490 Concordia Avenue, Boardroom 208

St. Paul, MN 55103

 

Meeting Minutes

 

Participants:  N=19

Pramod Kelkar, allergist

Brenda Guyer, allergist

Colleen Dobie, Allina Woodbury

Laurie Temaszewski, MSRC

Julie Seiber, St. Paul STEPS

Val Steussy, HealthPartners

Janet Malkewitz, HealthPartners

Angie Carlson, Data Intelligence

Laura Oatman, MDH

Barbara Lehn, Pediatric Home Service

Erica Fishman, MDH

Susan Ross, MDH

Janet Keysser, MDH

Mary Aarness, St. Francis School District

Debbie Lee, Washington County Public Health

Roxy Johnson, ALAMN
Ed Corazalla, U of M

John Sweet, allergist

Jill Heins Nesvold, ALAMN

Minnesota Department of Health statewide strategic plan

·          Erica shared that four workgroups and a Steering Committee worked together to develop a 5 year plan.  The plan was submitted to CDC mid-May.  MDH is finishing proofreading the plan and will have it on their website by July 1st.  There is a role for MAC throughout the plan, including community awareness and continued outreach.  MDH asked CDC for $700K per year, but CDC has indicated that the average award would be $600K.  In the past, MDH has had some funds for implementation and supplies.  In the current future, it is not likely that there will be funds for development or implementation, but a supply of materials still exists that can be distributed.

Washington County Asthma Coalition

·          They had their first coalition meeting on May 29th with two physicians, Grove and Sweet, in attendance.  The coalition has submitted a proposal to Medica Foundation for financial support.  They will continue promoting the interactive AAP, provide childcare provider trainings and professional education, in-home environmental assessments/modifications, and retro-fit school buses and county vehicles.  They are looking to identify an asthma champion at each clinic.

·          Washington County Public Health has received a number of EPA awards and presentation opportunities for their efforts. 

Resource available

·          Brenda Guyer shared that EPA and ACIII has an online CME about how providers can talk to parents about keeping their home smoker free.  Kidslivesmokefree.org

St. Francis Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative

·          Mary Aarness shared that they have completed their needs assessment with staff, parents, high school students, physical education teachers, coaches, volunteer coaches, and administrators). 

·          They have formed three workgroups:  environment, school policy and practice, and education.

·          This summer and fall they are setting up educational opportunities for school health office staff and coaches (MDH’s program in a face-to-face way). 
They are securing an asthma resource nurses through the ALA grant.

·          St. Francis is working with Minneapolis Public Schools and St. Paul Public Schools to identify key evaluation measures that will be meaningful.

How can we capitalize on Washington County and St. Francis efforts through professional education?

·          Susan Ross suggested asking local companies that make spirometers to pass out the August 8th training flyer.

·          Share with nationally certified asthma educators.

·          Work with Washington County and St. Francis clinics to market the August 8th spirometry training.

The Controlling Asthma in American Cities Project is conducting community profiles in Brooklyn Center / Park and West St. Paul.  Does Metro MAC have any contacts in these communities that might be interested in asthma?
  1. Dakota County Public Health smoke-free apartments efforts
  2. Lori T can send an email to MSRC
  3. Aspen Clinic in West St. Paul
  4. Sommer Rian at North Memorial

How should Metro MAC dessiminate the new asthma guidelines? 

·    MDH’s strategic plan has development of a cheat sheet included.

·    Ed Corazalla and Don Uden have been working on a slide deck for the new guidelines.

·    The NHLBI guidelines will have slides that are downloadable.

·    When are NAECB changing their exam questions?

·    Publicize that the new guidelines will be/have come out.

·    Send information to residency programs and share that there are new guidelines available and ALAMN has a course.

·    Send information to local chapters of American Academy of Pediatrics, MN Chapter of Family Practice, etc.

Brenda Guyer to co-chair Minnesota Asthma Coalition

·    Brenda will be co-chairing the Minnesota Asthma Coalition with Barbara Yawn.  Brenda will be stepping down from co-chairing the Metro Asthma Coalition.  If you are interested, or know someone who is, please contact Jill.

Potential events for Metro MAC

·    There is an Infant Mortality Awareness event on July 25th at Como Park targeting African Americans and Native Americans.  Jill will send an email requesting volunteer coverage.  If we can get full coverage, Metro MAC will have a booth.

·    Radio Disney will be at the Maplewood Mall on Saturday, August 25th.  EPA will provide booth spaces.  Washington County Public Health agreed to take lead on staffing this booth.

Invitations to Metro MAC

·    Please make invitations to anyone interested in asthma to join the Metro Asthma Coalition.  New members are always welcome.

Next meeting:  Monday, September 24th from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.