Addressing the burden of asthma in San Francisco through the San Francisco asthma task force

Asthma is a major and costly health problem in San Francisco (SF). To address the local epidemic, the San Francisco Asthma Task Force (TSFATF), a multidisciplinary task force, was established in 2001. The only known legislated task force of its kind, TSFATF was charged with developing a city-wide strategic plan to reduce the burden of asthma through management and prevention. To support TSFATF's efforts, grants were obtained from a Kaiser Permanente and American Lung Association partnership, and the California Endowment Fund. Subcommittees were formed to target four sectors, highly impacted, by asthma: Clinical Care, Schools/Child Care, Environment and Community. Subcommittees performed extensive needs assessments by holding 13 focus groups including clinicians/medical personnel, patients/families, tenants, property owners and school personnel. Over 40 interviews were conducted with environmental activists, legislators, heads of agencies, scientists, and clinicians. Based on information obtained from the needs assessment and literature reviews, a comprehensive strategic plan was developed citing thirty-seven recommendations. Highlighting two recommendations from each subcommittee, the plan was endorsed by the SF Board of Supervisors' (TSFBS) Health Commission. It will also be presented to the SF Board of Education (TSFBE). Further legislative action will be pursued through TSFBS and TSFBE. TSFATF's vision is that “San Francisco will be a model community where people with asthma, and all people, will live in a healthy environment that promotes an optimal quality of life.” Through an unprecedented collaborative effort and advocacy, TSFATF will institute legislative action and citywide strategies to improve asthma care and awareness in SF.