This May, in observance of Asthma Awareness Month, the Allegheny County Health Department (ACHD) is deepening its commitment to addressing one of the region’s most persistent public health challenges—asthma. With a focus on education, prevention, and equitable care, ACHD is working alongside trusted partners to empower residents with the tools they need to breathe easier every day.
In collaboration with the American Lung Association, Breathe PA, and Women for a Healthy Environment, ACHD is amplifying community-led solutions that help children and adults manage asthma, reduce emergency room visits, and improve overall quality of life.
Children in the City of Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg, and the Mon Valley are more likely to seek emergency room care and be hospitalized for an asthma attack compared to children residing in other communities. Minorities are disproportionately impacted with 27% of local black teens reporting having asthma as opposed to 7% of people under 18 in the U.S. Around 10% of adults in Allegheny County have asthma which is higher than the national average of 8%.
“Asthma is more than a medical condition—it’s a public health equity issue,” said Dr. James Weeden, Chronic Disease, Violence and Injury Prevention Program Manager at ACHD. “By investing in education, prevention, and partnerships rooted in our neighborhoods we’re not just managing asthma—we’re setting up our communities for success. This is how we build a healthier Allegheny County for everyone.”
Through its Asthma Taskforce and the Allegheny County Asthma Control Program, ACHD delivers a wide range of resources and interventions, including:
- School Asthma Initiatives (SAIs) that equip educators and families with action plans and support
- Free home asthma assessments to identify and address environmental triggers
- Training programs for asthma management facilitators
- Clinical referrals and environmental education for families in need
These initiatives are made possible through funding from the EXHALE grant, a CDC-supported program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which enables communities to implement proven strategies to reduce asthma-related hospitalizations and improve long-term outcomes.
“We want to help people living with asthma, especially children,” said Weeden. “This means working with partners to help people develop skills and tools to self-manage their asthma—whether it’s using medication appropriately or connecting with a primary care provider or pediatrician. If they don’t have access to one, we help them find that care.”
Residents are encouraged to explore free resources, educational materials, and local events by visiting the ACHD Asthma Program website: alleghenycounty.us/asthma
ACHD remains committed to making lasting changes in the lives of those affected by asthma—one breath at a time.
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The Allegheny County Health Department’s mission is to protect, promote, and preserve the health and well-being of the more than 1.2 million people who call Allegheny County home.
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