Respiratory Health Task Force History
2005-2006
The Respiratory Health Task Force received its fourth grant from the PA
DOH, Division of Immunizations (DOI), for $3,000. The grant paid for the
design of an influenza display. Uncertainty regarding the adequacy of
the influenza vaccine supply delayed the scheduling of clinics, since
the task force decided to give precidence to the 300 people who received
last years’ influenza vaccines who qualified under the high risk
criteria issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In total, 139 flu shots and 20 pneumonia shots were given.
The task force commemorated World Asthma Day by distributing the two brochures
it developed during the year to 400 physicians, school nurses, daycares,
and Head Starts:
1. The Resource List for People with Asthma. Designed to help people with
asthma understand and take control of their asthma, it includes sections
on what kind of questions to ask their doctor and where they can go for
help if they cannot afford their medications.
2. The Order Form for Asthma Resources. Designed to catelog resources
for asthma education, there are sections for the general public, people
with asthma, schools, and health care professionals.
2004-2005
The Respiratory Illness Task Force received its third grant from the PA DOH, Division of Immunizations (DOI), for $3,000. The grant paid for the design of advertising and posters, as well as vaccines. In addition, the task force received free supplies from the American Respiratory Alliance (ARA). However, the 2004-2005 vaccine campaign was marred by the October 2004 Chiron contamination that created an influenza vaccine supply shortage. The task force quickly assessed where vaccine could be found and issued the information to members to keep the public up-to-date. The campaign was consolidated to one site, the Glory to God Free Clinic, because the task force only had access to 300 influenza vaccines. All were given to people who qualified under the high risk criteria issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The task force also celebrated World Asthma Day on May 7, 2005 at the “A Celebration of Womanhood: Our Crowning Achievements” event held at the Washington Crown Center Mall. Smoke-free home and vehicle pledge kits were available, and visitors were asked to complete an asthma awareness survey. The task force will continue to use the survey to gather more information for topics to design its asthma awareness campaign. A Washington County events calendar was compiled, and members attended when appropriate to promote respiratory health issues.
2003-2004
The Respiratory Health Task Force received its second grant from the PA DOH, DOI, for $3,000. The grant paid for advertising, vaccines, and supplies. In addition, the task force received 400 influenza and 125 pneumococcal vaccines for free from the PA DOH, DOI. The 2003-2004 vaccine campaign was held from October 2003 to March 2004, and 560 influenza and 94 pneumococcal vaccinations were given to people who could not otherwise afford them. Three clinics were also held with under-vaccinated populations—two for African-Americans and one for Latinos.
2002-2003
The task force received its first grant from the Pennsylvania Department
of Health, Division of Immunizations (PA DOH, DOI), for $2,939.47. The
grant paid for advertising, vaccine, supplies, copies, and postage. In
addition, the task force received vaccines from the PA DOH, DOI, Mon Vale
Advances Total Community Health (MATCH®), American Respiratory Alliance
(through Highmark), and Highmark.
The 2002-2003 vaccine campaign was held from October 2002 through March 2003 and 579 influenza and 200 pneumococcal vaccinations were given to people who could not afford them.
On May 6, 2003, the task force celebrated Washington County's first World Asthma Day with proclamations by the county commissioners and the City of Washington's Mayor. Peak flow meter use demonstrations were available, and 15 breathing screenings were done. 175 informational bags were given away, and 27 households took the Smoke-Free Home Pledge.
2002 Community Health Assessment Findings
The task force agreed that influenza and pneumococcal vaccination campaigns
still need to be held since the percentages of survey respondents were
similar to the PA DOH's BRFSS percentages (see Figures 6 and 7) and far
short of the SHIP's goal of 90% coverage by 2010. A special emphasis will
be placed on reaching on high-risk populations and minorities.
In addition, the task force decided to broaden their focus to include asthma awareness education and integrate with the Tobacco Free Program, due to the relationship between smoking, asthma, influenza, and pneumonia.
2001-2002
The Respiratory Health Task Force held their 2001 flu vaccine campaign
from October to December. Despite complications in receiving the vaccine
in a timely manner, the Task Force still managed to give 512 vaccinations
to people who otherwise could not have afforded the vaccine.