Community Asthma Van

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children. It can range from mild to fatal, if not treated properly. In Rhode Island, more than 25,000 children have asthma.

The Community Asthma Van is used to bring staff and equipment to community asthma programs such as our school-based asthma workshops, Controlling Asthma in Schools Effectively (CASE); and in-home environmental assessments through Project HARP (Home-based Asthma Response Program). During home visits, asthma specialists identify environmental triggers—from mold and dust mites to secondhand smoke and pet dander—and conduct educational sessions that give families resources and supplies to reduce these triggers and improve their quality of life. Also, during the summer, the van is used to transport staff and equipment for Asthma Camp.

The van was purchased with funds from a $100,000 donation to Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s Community Asthma Programs by the John Potocsnak family of Chicago, IL.