'Breathmobile' To Do Asthma Checkups At Bohannon Middle School

“The Breathmobile®” will visit Bohannon Middle School in San Lorenzo on Wednesday, April 17^th at 10:30 a.m.  as a part of ongoing efforts to address persistently high asthma rates in Alameda County.

In 2011, eleven percent of the Bohannon Middle School population or 111 students were diagnosed with asthma, according to Alameda County Supervisor Wilma Chan's office.

“Asthma continues to be the leading chronic disease among children and youth in America,” said Chan, who worked with the San Lorenzo Unified School District and the Prescott-Joseph Center for Community Enhancement to arrange the event.  

Alameda County has the second highest rate of asthma and the third highest rates of asthma prevalence and hospitalizations in California. 

San Lorenzo ranks above the county average for asthma related emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

“Students living with asthma face substantially higher risks to both their health and academic success,” said Dr. Dennis Byas, Superintendent of the San Lorenzo Unified School District. 

The Breathmobile® is a 33-foot, custom-built Winnebago RV that serves as a mobile pediatric asthma and allergy clinic. 

It includes a small waiting area, a testing area and two exam rooms.

Families have access to an “asthma team” that includes a pediatric allergist or pulmonologist, pediatric nurse practitioner, and registered nurse. 

The Breathmobile® operated by the Prescott-Joseph Center is the first of its kind in Northern California.

For more information contact Alex Boskovich from the office of Supervisor Wilma Chan at (510) 272-6693 or email district3@acgov.org.