Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition

Founded in 2001, the Pioneer Valley Asthma Coalition (PVAC) is a multi-organizational community partnership that works to improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities affected by asthma.

The PVAC was formed to address asthma from a community, holistic perspective, bringing together a variety of groups to address the many factors that impact asthma, including: healthcare organizations (e.g. Baystate Health), health plans (e.g. BMC HealthNet Plan), local and state public health agencies (e.g. Springfield Health and Human Services), housing organizations, community agencies, academic institutions, community members and a variety of other types of organizations within the community. 

We try to help the diverse members of our communities in the Pioneer Valley understand:

• what asthma is and how it affects our communities
• the importance of working with a healthcare provider to control asthma
• how the indoor and outdoor environment can affect the health of people with asthma

The PVAC has three subcommittees that focus on:

Healthy Housing

Reducing triggers in housing (e.g. dust, mold, cockroaches, pet dander) can greatly improve the health of people with asthma.  The coalition works to:

• educate about housing issues that impact asthma and ways to address those issues
• identify resources to help reduce asthma triggers in housing

Healthy Schools and Workplaces

Improving indoor air quality and educating about asthma in schools and workplaces can improve the health of children and adults with asthma.  The coalition works to:

• reduce asthma triggers and improve indoor air quality in schools and workplaces
• educate about asthma in schools and workplaces

 Healthcare

Proper healthcare is important to controlling asthma.  The coalition works to:

• improve access to care
• educate healthcare providers about evidence-based treatment recommendations
• educate people with asthma and their families about what they need to do to control their asthma (e.g. taking medication as prescribed, monitoring symptoms, developing and adhering to a plan for asthma flare-ups, reducing exposure to triggers in the home and elsewhere)