Asking your doctor to create an Asthma Action Plan for your child is a great first step toward managing their asthma. Every child deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and active life.
The South Texas Asthma Coalition (STAC) has released a new, updated Asthma Action Plan for 2024. ALL children with asthma should have an Asthma Action Plan filled out by their health care provider.
What’s New?
The new Asthma Action Plan is now a fillable form (PDF) your doctor can fill out electronically. It includes dropdowns for medications and a required field where doctors must include their recommendations for medication self-administration before they’re able to sign the form.
Why is an Asthma Action Plan Important?
An Asthma Action Plan includes:
- Identifying Triggers: Things that make your child’s asthma worse.
- Medication Management: Medicines your child takes to treat their asthma and when to take them.
- Symptom Monitoring: Symptoms that indicate worsening asthma.
- Emergency Response: Telephone numbers for an emergency contact, your child’s healthcare provider, and the local hospital.
Who needs a copy of my child’s Asthma Action Plan?
Share the Asthma Action Plan with your child’s primary caretaker, daycare provider, school nurse, coach, after-school coordinator, and anyone else in charge of your child’s care. Ensure that they are familiar with the plan and can respond accordingly. Make the plan part of your child’s daily routine. Ensure they take their medication as prescribed and stay aware of any changes in their symptoms.
Next Steps
Start by talking to your child’s doctor. Tell them you want an updated STAC Asthma Action Plan for your child. They can fill out the Asthma Action Plan electronically and print copies for you to give to your child’s school nurse and other caretakers. Community First Members who join our Asthma Matters: Asthma Management Program will also receive an Asthma Action Plan in the mail with instructions for your doctor to complete it.
Questions?
If you have a question about your child’s Asthma Action Plan or need help finding a doctor, making an appointment, or getting a ride to a health care appointment, please call a Community First Health Plans Educator at 210-358-6055 or email healthyhelp@cfhp.com.
As a reminder, by participating in Asthma Matters, you may be eligible to receive*:
- $80 in gift cards for completing San Antonio Kids BREATHE home visits
- $10 gift card for getting a flu shot
- Mask with aerosol chamber
- Allergy-free pillow protector
- $10 gift card for completing required asthma education
*Limitations or restrictions may apply. Please call 210-358-6055 or email healthyhelp@cfhp.com to see if you qualify.