CDC has funded numerous projects to determine the environmental factors that contribute to pediatric asthma and to explore those interventions that are most effective in reducing the cost of pediatric asthma. We are developing methods to provide real time surveillance for pediatric asthma through hospital emergency rooms and exploring the feasibility of doing asthma screening in schools. NATIONAL ARTHRITIS ACTION PLAN Ms. DeLauro: Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and two-thirds of the people affected by this disease are women. Last year, as you know, the Committee provided $10 million to support the implementation of the initial phase on the National Arthritis Action Plan. What steps has CDC taken to launch this important new program? I understand the Action Plan involved the input of more than 35 national organizations. How does CDC intend to utilize these organizations in implementing the National Arthritis Action Plan? Dr. Koplan: CDC is using its FY 99 funding of $10 million to implement the National Arthritis Action Plan--A Public Health Strategy (NAAP) by funding up to 8 states to implement public health programs that can reduce the onset and consequences of arthritis. CDC will also fund 25-30 additional states with small grants to educate the public on the burden of arthritis and develop infrastructure for arthritis activities. In addition, planning is underway to provide financial support for arthritis related Health Communications, Prevention Research, and Training. CDC will formalize its partnership with the National Arthritis Foundation to utilize their skills, knowledge, expertise, and local arthritis chapters in the implementation of the National Arthritis Action Plan. During the development of the National Arthritis Action Plan more than 35 organizations were involved. CDC is forming an arthritis science committee that will include many of these same partners. We will partner with the Association of State and Territorial Chronic Disease Program Directors (ASTCDPD) and the Association of State and Territorial Directors of Health Promotion and Public Health Education (ASTDHPPHE) to ensure state input and guidance. CDC will also require state health departments who receive funding, to develop and build partnerships with the members of the Working Group and Partnership Network described in the National Arthritis Action Plan. |