Press Releases

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourages You to Have an Asthma Action Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 2026
Media Contact: Bryan Hooten, 804-807-1727, bryan.hooten@vdh.virginia.gov

Richmond and Henrico Health Districts Encourage You to Have an Asthma Action Plan

May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. — 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’s 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.

“One 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,” said Richmond and Henrico Health Districts School Health Coordinator Carolina Lugo. “An 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’s an important tool that helps children stay healthy, active, and ready to learn.”

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

How to manage asthma and allergies

RHHD encourages residents with school-aged children to make sure their child’s 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 and at the VDH Enrollment Forms and Action Plans page.

Here are some steps you can take to help manage asthma for your families during the summer months.

  • Make an appointment with your healthcare provider and your child’s pediatrician over the summer.
  • Follow your Asthma Action Plan to keep asthma under control.
  • Share your child’s Asthma Action Plan with your school nurse and summer camp staff.
  • Manage your home’s indoor air quality.
  • Wear a mask in crowded places, wash hands properly, and stay away from sick people.
  • Make sure you and your family get rest, adequate sleep and hydration, and eat healthy food.
  • Make a plan to get updated vaccines for respiratory infections such as flu and COVID-19 when they become available.

RHHD encourages residents experiencing the symptoms of asthma to reach out to a primary care or other physician to receive diagnosis and treatment. Community members can get help connecting to a primary care physician, regardless of insurance status, by visiting rhhd.gov/connect-pc.

Visit rhhd.gov for more health and safety information. Follow RHHD on Instagram (@richmondcity_hd) and Facebook.

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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are sister public health agencies serving our connected communities. Our mission is to protect health, champion equity, and partner to address local needs.

rhhd.gov | henrico.gov/health | RHHD Facebook | IG: @richmondcity_hd

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