Asthma Meets Its Match

A new partnership could bring healthier outcomes at urban sites with high levels of asthma.

It’s long been established that cockroach allergens have the greatest impact on childhood asthma in urban settings. A 2005 National Institutes of Health study found that cockroach allergens can worsen allergy symptoms more than dust mite or pet allergens.

The Northeastern IPM Center’s StopPests in Housing Program has worked with John Dowling at the Michigan Department of Community Health to train health educators at sites in Lansing and Flint identified with high levels of asthma.

The program delivers the same, high-quality pest prevention training offered nationwide, with participation from community health workers who already have built relationships at those sites. Any group that receives StopPests trainings can request coordination between trainers and community health workers.