Asthma Classes for Caregivers and Children

The Community Asthma Prevention Program of Philadelphia offers free asthma classes at different locations throughout Philadelphia. These classes are open to caregivers of children with asthma and children with asthma. Specific information is listed below. You may also call 215-590-5261 with questions.

Classes

What is the goal? Learn more about asthma.
Who can participate? Parents and caregivers of children with asthma, and children 5 years of age and older. Childcare will be provided for children under 5 years of age.
What will you be asked to do? Attend classes for five weeks.
What are some of the benefits of participating? You will receive free asthma devices, mattress covers, pillow covers and gift certificates.

Each class runs for two to five sessions. It is very important that you attend all the sessions so that you can learn all you need to know about asthma. You must attend all sessions in order to receive a certificate of completion and all program incentives. You may make up a class at another location by calling us. Below is a list of current classes. Click on a class for more information on the class and for a printable class flyer.

Current classes

Head Start Learning Tree New Spirit Center
5736 Chester Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Friday October 2 and Monday October 5
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. You should attend BOTH sessions. Light refreshments will be served.
To register, call 215-21911115 and ask for Kristan Lewis, Family Advocate.

Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church
2800 W. Cheltenham Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19150
Wednesdays October 7, 14 and 28
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. You should attend all three sessions.
To register, call 215-276-7200, ext. 1033 and ask for Winsome James, Servant Leader for Nurses Health Ministry

Bluford Elementary School
5900 Baltimore Ave (Formerly Turner School)
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Monday November 2 and Wednesday November 4
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. You should attend BOTH sessions. Light refreshments will be served.
To register, call 215-471-2906, and ask for Lynn Hudgins, RN, School Nurse or Jessica Freeman-Raven, Parent Ombudsman.

Topics covered in classes

Introduction to the Community Asthma Prevention Program (CAPP)

What is the program all about? What is asthma and why does my child have it? How asthma affects your child's body. You will receive an asthma journal at this session.

Triggers of asthma and prevention techniques

What makes my child start to wheeze and how can I prevent it? Different things in the environment, which trigger asthma. How to avoid these triggers and prevent an asthma attack from starting. You'll be amazed at the ways you can control your child's asthma symptoms! You will receive mattress and pillow covers for your child's bed during this session.

Medicines and asthma devices

What medicine does my child have to take for her asthma? How do I use inhalers, spacers and peak flow meters? We explain the differences between the medicines, how they work to keep asthma symptoms from starting and how they calm the symptoms once they begin. We will talk about the purpose of the devices, the proper way to use them and how to take care of them. You will receive a spacer device and a peak flow meter.

Asthma action plan

How can I know when to use the right medicine for my child's asthma symptoms? We talk about how to use your peak flow meter to help you make a medicine plan for your child. This will give you the information you need to treat asthma symptoms early when they occur. You're going to feel really in control after this session! You will receive a stethoscope.

School and family issues and question and answers

How do I explain to the school nurse and teachers about my child's asthma? We discuss ways to help your teacher and school nurse deal with your child's asthma. We also look at how asthma affects the family as a whole and what your family can do to relieve stress and still be supportive to your child. You will receive a gift certificate for your attendance at all five sessions, and a certificate of completion.

Asthma education classes

Is your organization interested in learning how to develop, plan and conduct asthma education classes in your community? The Community Asthma Prevention Program has over eight years of experience in offering asthma education classes to parents and caregivers of children with asthma.

If you are interested in learning more, please call us at 215-590-5261 or send us an e-mail at capp@email.chop.edu

Community Asthma Prevention Program (CAPP)