{"id":18387,"date":"2026-05-26T09:05:56","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:05:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=18387"},"modified":"2026-05-26T09:06:16","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T13:06:16","slug":"richmond-and-henrico-health-districts-encourage-you-to-have-an-asthma-action-plan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-regional-news-releases\/richmond-and-henrico-health-districts-encourage-you-to-have-an-asthma-action-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage You to Have an Asthma Action Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

May 26, 2026
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage You to Have an Asthma Action Plan<\/h1>\n

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>RICHMOND, Va. <\/strong>\u2014 The Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) encourage community members with asthma to talk to their primary care provider about keeping an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan. A child\u2019s up-to-date Asthma Action Plan should be shared with their caregivers and summer camp staff. Individuals with asthma or asthma-like symptoms, including chest tightness or pain, wheezing when exhaling, and\/or trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing, or wheezing, should talk to a healthcare provider. May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the best things families can do to support a child with asthma is to keep an up-to-date Asthma Action Plan and share it with caregivers, school, and summer camp staff,\u201d said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts School Health Coordinator Carolina Lugo. \u201cAn asthma action plan provides clear, step-by-step guidance so kids, caregivers, and school staff know how to manage symptoms, reduce or prevent flare-ups, and respond quickly in an emergency. It\u2019s an important tool that helps children stay healthy, active, and ready to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richmond is considered an Asthma Capital<\/a> according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America<\/a>. The Richmond region also ranks 14th<\/sup> on the list of most challenging places to live with a pollen allergy<\/a> in the U.S.<\/p>\n

How to manage asthma and allergies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to make sure their child\u2019s school nurse and summer camp staff have a copy of their Asthma Action Plan. Parents can find more information on the RHHD School Health Hub<\/a> and at the VDH Enrollment Forms and Action Plans<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

Here are some steps you can take to help manage asthma for your families during the summer months.<\/p>\n