In an effort to raise awareness of asthma and its symptoms among sports coaches and fitness leaders who work with children, the New York State Department of Health launched the "Winning with Asthma" Coach's Asthma Clipboard Program in New York. The online program was created to help coaches learn about asthma and how it affects an athlete's ability to compete and how they can help athletes control asthma while playing their best.

"Asthma is a serious chronic disease among children, with over 45,000 asthma hospitalizations per year for children ages 0-17," says Marilyn Kacica, MD, MPH, medical director, New York State Department of Health. "As a physician and mother of a child with asthma, I think it is important for coaches and other fitness leaders who work with children to understand the disease and know what to do to help children control their asthma, especially in the event of an asthma attack."

Any interested New York State resident can now take advantage of the program’s free training on asthma. Users view a 30-minute informative video at (where?) and complete an online survey. Those who complete the program receive an asthma pamphlet and a clipboard outlining the appropriate course of action to best assist an athlete during an asthma attack.

The "Winning with Asthma" educational campaign began in Utah and Minnesota and is now available in seven states, including New York. The National Lieutenant Governors Association funds the campaign.