Australian Government
The Australian Government, through the Department of Health and Ageing, manages the Asthma Management Program. Under this framework, Asthma Australia is funded to deliver two programs to the Australian community.
Asthma Child and Adolescent Program
Asthma Australia provides asthma information and emergency response training, including information about linked respiratory conditions, for:
- Education staff in schools and preschools
- Parents and carers
- Adolescents
Since the commencement of the program in November 2009:
- Almost 150,000 staff in schools and preschools have attended asthma training that remains current
- 8,250 one-hour Asthma Australia training sessions have been provided across Australia
This means 60% of schools and 40% of preschools across Australia have staff with current asthma emergency training (statistics accurate at 31 October 2012). A comment from a senior staff member attending a school session indicates that this training provides,
“an opportunity to assess asthma awareness and management in our school with a view to improving the staff’s knowledge of the condition and treatment options should an asthma attack occur at school. Potential triggers for an asthma attack were identified and policies are now in place to ensure a healthy working and learning environment for all.”
Asthma Community Support Program
Asthma Australia provides information and education to people throughout Australia, supporting people who have asthma and the families and carers of people with asthma.
The Community Support Program provides all Australians with:
- Education
- Information
- Support
People can attend education sessions including:
- Live Well with Asthma
- Seniors
- Residential Aged Care Facilities Carer Sessions
The Community Support Program can also provide updates for Health professionals.
Since the program commenced in November 2009, almost 30,000 people have accessed the program. In the last year (1 July 2011- 30 June 2012) 430 sessions were conducted.
The program receives positive feedback from attendees, such as:
“Thought I was pretty much on top of my asthma but today I learnt I have lots to fix. I recommend every person with asthma to come along”
- Live Well with Asthma attendee
Just under half of the sessions are conducted outside of major cities. People are always very grateful to have access to up to date information, without having to travel to the city.
