"We are thrilled that the EPA has recognized our efforts to improve the health and well-being of children with asthma, and their families, in Northern Manhattan. Our community health workers work closely with families to help them address environmental asthma triggers like secondhand smoke and animal dander, and give them the information, resources and support they need to manage their child's asthma," says Patricia Peretz, program manager of WIN for Asthma.

WIN for Asthma is one of only five programs nationally to receive the prestigious award this year. The EPA presented the award to WIN for Asthma at the Communities in Action National Asthma Forum in Washington, D.C., on June 17, 2010.

"EPA is recognizing WIN for Asthma for their outstanding efforts to reduce the burden of asthma for families in their communities," says Mike Flynn, director of EPA's Office of Radiation and Indoor Air. "This program is achieving positive environmental and health outcomes, and EPA applauds their innovation and dedication to controlling asthma."

With childhood asthma rates in Northern Manhattan four times the national average, the Ambulatory Care Network at NewYork-Presbyterian partnered with the community of Washington Heights/Inwood to initiate the Washington Heights–Inwood Network (WIN) for Asthma program. The program began in May 2006 to improve outcomes for children with poorly controlled asthma by providing culturally relevant asthma education. To date, community health workers have enrolled 400 families. Families who completed the one-year program reported a greater than 50 percent drop in emergency room visits, a greater than 50 percent drop in hospitalization and a 30 percent drop in school absenteeism. Caregivers also reported that they were significantly more confident in caring and controlling their child's asthma after participating in the program.

For more information about EPA's National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management, visit epa.gov/asthma.