The New Hampshire Asthma Control Program's work focuses on asthma surveillance activities and implementation of the state asthma plan.

Asthma Surveillance activities monitor:

• asthma prevalence;
• mortality due to asthma;
• inpatient hospitalization and outpatient emergency department use for asthma;
• control and management of asthma;
• asthma risk factors and co-morbidities;
• environmental factors affecting asthma.

The NH State Asthma Plan , developed by an advisory council representing stakeholders from across New Hampshire, describes the challenge asthma presents in the state and makes recommendations for action in the areas of clinical services and disease management, indoor and outdoor environments, public awareness and education, and surveillance. All program activities relate to five central objectives of the plan:

• Strengthen program organizational structure and collaborative partnerships;
• Improve health outcomes by increasing adherence to national asthma education and prevention program guidelines;
• Increase capacity for asthma-healthy environments;
• Enhance public awareness and education;
• Enhance the asthma surveillance system to support program planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Several working groups currently meet to plan and implement initiatives in workforce development, clinical quality improvement, healthy homes and healthy schools. The NH Asthma Collaborative, composed of partners from across the state, helps coordinate activities and provides an important network for agencies and organizations committed to improving the health status and quality of life for people with asthma.

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