Asthma

Why focus on childhood asthma? After looking at admissions data from hospitals, as well as anecdotal observation points, we uncovered several startling statistics:

  • Approximately 60,000 children in Dallas have asthma, 9% of all Dallas children.
  • One three-day hospitalization for asthma can cost $7,300, while one visit to a pediatric care provider to manage asthma costs less than $100.
  • Annual economic costs to Dallas, including cost to families and to medical care facilities across the community, is estimated to be a staggering $60 million.
The environmental, clinical and economic lessons that we learn from our asthma initiative will not only improve the overall health of our kids right now, but also help shape future Alliance targets for intervention.

Sources: Harrison, Whitney (MPH, Epidemiologist), Texas Asthma Control Program, Dept. of State Health Services. “Asthma Morbidity and Mortality in Texas and Health Region 3.” October 17, 2011.

The cost estimate per child based on: Li Yan Wang et. al; “Direct and Indirect Cost of Asthma in School age Children”. Preventing Chronic Disease (January 2005). This number is multiplied by the number of children with asthma in Dallas.

Many factors play into the asthma problem, and the solution involves collaboration from many sectors.