ABSTRACT
The objective of this project is to create awareness among parents and healthcare providers on asthma and asthma management through a model of centers for excellence, Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Units (PEHSU). PEHSUs are centers for education and community outreach on child health and the environment located in every federal region. Although the exact program of each PEHSU differs, they are all mandated to provide educational programs to parents and health practitioners. We describe activities of a representative PEHSU, the Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment (MACCHE), and the compatibility and potential of PEHSU activities for asthma education. Since its inception, MACCHE has educated physicians in over 20 hospitals during grand rounds on asthma and molds. MACCHE obtained 80% participation at its first conference on Children's Health and the Environment in 2002, Washington, D.C. PEHSUs, in partnership with practitioners treating asthma, can help identify triggers and educate parents and practitioners on related issues such as air pollution through seminars, consultations, and community events. PEHSUs are more cost effective than emergency room visits. Knowledge of communities served and presence of a network of professionals focused on child health issues make PEHSUs a good platform for initiating community-based research on asthma.