Montana Asthma Control Program

Public-Health in the 406

The Montana Asthma Control Program is committed to improving the quality of life for all Montanans with asthma. To address the burden of asthma in Montana, the Asthma Control Program (MACP) was created in July 2007 with funding allocated by the MT State Legislature. The MACP was awarded additional funding in the form of 5-year competitive grants from the CDC’s National Asthma Control Program in 2009, 2014, and 2019. The program is housed within the Public Health and Safety Division (PHSD) of the MT Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

You might be one of the approximately 100,000 people in Montana who have asthma. Learning more about your asthma can help you take control; with well-controlled asthma, you can live a full, active life and experience few troubling symptoms. One key component of asthma control is proper inhaler technique. Another is working with your team of health care professionals, including school nurses, pharmacists, and your primary care provider. If your child has asthma, you may have access to an asthma home visiting program  in your area to help you learn more about what his or her triggers are and how to avoid them. Other community programs to help with conditions such as diabetes and arthritis may also be available.


Asthma News

Pharmacist Prescribing Authority Expanded
As passed by the 2023 Montana Legislature, pharmacists are provided with new and limited prescribing authority that allows them to test and treat for such things as iinfluenza and smoking cessation. Pharmacists may also prescribe spacers for use with asthma inhalers. See the full bill here, SB 112.1.

 


Air Quality Resources

Visit the Montana Dept of Public Health and Human Services website devoted to air quality resources  to learn about how you can stay healthy during poor air quality days year round.