Substitute for House Resolution No. 302.

            A resolution to declare May 2016 as Asthma Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Asthma is a long-term inflammatory disease in which the airways of the lungs constrict, causing wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing; and

            Whereas, Asthma is an under-managed chronic disease in the state of Michigan, as evidenced by data on self-management behaviors and health care utilization. Asthma prevalence is 11% for children and 10.5% for adults in Michigan, which is higher than the national average.  Asthma hospitalization is common, with 13,000 stays in Michigan in 2013; and

            Whereas, The rate of asthma hospitalization in Detroit is three times higher than the state of Michigan as a whole and 24% of all asthma hospitalizations in Michigan residents occurred in residents of Detroit. The prevalence of current asthma among Detroit adults was 29% higher than in Michigan as a whole and the rate of asthma mortality in Detroit in 2011-2013 was 2.4 times higher than the Michigan rate. Detroit was named by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America as one of the five most challenging cities to live in with asthma last year; and

             Whereas, Asthma is the leading cause of preventable hospitalizations for Michigan children and asthma is the leading chronic cause of school absenteeism in Michigan. Emergency department visits for Michigan children on Medicaid were 207.4 asthma visits per 10,000 children in 2012, significantly higher than national targets for this indicator; and

            Whereas, Asthma is influenced by not just genetics, but also conditions in the home and air pollution. Short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide ranging from 5 minutes to 24 hours is linked to increased asthma symptoms and Michigan is currently designated by the Environmental Protection Agency as having a “non-attainment area” for meeting the national primary sulfur dioxide standard. Efforts to reduce air pollution from industrial sources and our roadways are critical in order to fully address asthma in our state; and

            Whereas, Public health efforts should be should be directed to persons with asthma in Michigan to improve asthma control and prevent severe outcomes; and

            Whereas, May is a nationally recognized month dedicated to educating all Americans about comprehensive asthma management and to increase public understanding of asthma and how to manage it; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare May 2016 as Asthma Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.