MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH
2006
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asthma has reached epidemic
proportions in the United States, affecting about 20 million people; and
WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, asthma affecLs more than 7 percent
of adults, and more than 18 percent of children in North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma is the leading cause of
childhood hospitalizations, long-term illness, and school absenteeism; and
WHEREAS, according the North Carolina Division of Public Health, in 2004 35 percent of North Carolina
adults with asthma reported being unable to work or carry out their usual activities at some point because of their
asthma, and 50 percent of the children with asthma and 32 percent of adults with asthma missed school or work;
and
WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, in 2002 27.4% of adults with
asthma reported having to visit the emergency room or urgent care center because of their asthma within the last 12
months; 13 % of those reported going more than once in the last 12 months; and
WHEREAS, according to the North Carolina Division of Public Health, in 2004 1 1 3 North Carolinians
died due to asthma; and
WHEREAS, although there is no known cure for asthma, it can be controlled by knowing and
understanding the warning signs of an attack; and
WHEREAS, according to the EPA, exposure to allergens and irritants such as dust mites, mold,
cockroaches, pet dander and secondhand smoke can bring on an asthma episode; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Asthma Program is working to document the burden of asthma in North
Carolina and working to educate and encourage North Carolinians to identify and reduce their exposures to
environmental triggers and to work with their physicians to develop effective asthma management plans to reduce
morbidity and mortality due to asthma;
Carolina
Independence
1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North
third day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and six. and of the
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MICHAEL F. EASLEY, Governor of the State of North Carolina do hereby
proclaim
asthma
‘ASTHMA AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina and encourage those with diagnosed
care provider about ways to effectively manage their asthma and to assess their
for triggers and eliminate or reduce exposure to asthma triggers when possible.
MICHAEL F. EASLEY f.
