Welcome to the Merced/Mariposa County Asthma Coalition!

The MMCAC is a community-based health organization that was formed in 1997 by a group of local respiratory therapists and nurses that were brought together by a mutual concern of rising asthma incidence throughout the community. Over the last decade, the group has grown to a membership of over 150 individuals from diverse backgrounds including health professionals, healthcare organizations, parents of asthmatics, local political leaders, businesses and environmental groups that have come together to work towards our mission of controlling asthma through awareness and education.

Nationwide, there are now more than 24 million Americans, including 7 million children affected by this serious, chronic illness.  It accounts for 3 million lost work days and 10 million lost school days annually.  In Merced County, asthma affects 51,000 residents including 20% of our children!

Common environmental triggers include diesel exhaust, molds, tobacco, smoke, pollen, and animal dander, just to name a few.  Common symptoms include breathlessness, rapid breathing, wheezing, and sudden fatigue while exercising.  Also, people with asthma often suffer from recurrent sinus infections and frequent colds.

As a community we need to better understand the relationship of environmental triggers to the increased instance of asthma attacks.  We need to work to reduce these triggers, recognize the signs of an asthma attack, make sure adults and children have asthma action plans and proper medications, and that they have access to their medications at the workplace and at school.  All children and their families should be receiving good medical care so they can successfully manage their asthma daily.  Remember, asthma CAN be controlled!