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March 3, 2008
GOVERNOR PROCLAIMS HIS SUPPORT OF THE "HELPING VIRGIN ISLANDERS BREATHE EASIER" CAMPAIGN Gov. deJongh proclaimed his support of the "Helping Virgin Islanders Breathe Easier" campaign, which commences on March 4, 2008. The office of the Lieutenant Governor will make the "Helping Virgin Islanders Breathe Easier" campaign, a multi-agency, public-private partnership, which includes educational, and awareness materials and ideas available to as many Virgin Islanders as possible. Evidence has shown that education of the public can lead to a reduction in death, emergency medical costs, and overall productivity. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asthma is a chronic lung disease, which can be life-threatening, has no cure and can significantly impact the quality of life of those it affects. A 2005 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report stated that 22.2 million American people are currently diagnosed with asthma, which represents 8.5% of all non-institutionalized adults and 8.9% of all children. The CDC also states that the rate of severe asthmas continues to disproportionately affect minority populations, with African Americans visiting emergency rooms, being hospitalized and dying from asthma at a rate of 350% higher than rates for white Americans. Medical experts; the CDC; the EPA; and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute all agree asthma can be controlled by following a structured medical management plan. The plan includes consultation and follow-up with medical providers, appropriate use of medications, avoidance of "triggers" for asthmas attack, and monitoring of certain physical conditions and readings. DeJongh calls upon the people of the Virgin Islands to join him and Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis in supporting the educational, scientific and medical efforts to reduce the prevalence of asthma in the U.S. Virgin Islands. |
