Asthma is a source of anxiety and depression for adolescents as they struggle with their sense of identity and become more aware of their own mortality.  The physical limitations pressure kids and their parents into avoiding school athletics and other physical social activities, which can lead to withdrawal and isolation from misunderstood and unaccepted feelings. The National Institute of Health reports that one-third of kids with asthma suffers from an anxiety disorder.  Additionally, the valid fear of death causes avoidance, panic, and other counter productive behaviors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• asthma deaths in young people have increased by 80% since 1980;

• asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalization in young people; and

• asthma is the first leading cause of school absenteeism.

It is fitting that Bria’s Foundation turns tragedy into action by combating the effects of asthma with programs to educate parents and kids on effectively managing the disease to improve quality of life.  National Jewish Health has added education and psychology sessions to their severe asthma programs correlating these services with medication compliance and treatment effectiveness.  We will follow their guidance to educate asthma suffers on living actively with asthma and provide resources for effective asthma treatment.  We will begin in the schools training nurses and providing equipment.