About MACN:

Michigan has a strong and unique asthma movement. Michigan's official asthma project started in February of 2000, when the Michigan Department of Community Health pulled together 125 asthma experts from across the state from public and private agencies with knowledge in the areas of clinical care, education, environmental quality and surveillance. While asthma efforts in Michigan were and are considerable, the idea behind convening a planning task force was that efforts could be advanced through statewide collaboration. This strategic planning process, known as MASPI (Michigan Asthma Strategic Planning Initiative), grew out of the increased recognition of asthma as a serious problem in Michigan communities and the broad-based response of local asthma coalitions, the American Lung Association of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Community Health, health systems and others. They worked together to define shared goals, objectives, and strategies to address common issues in asthma. Their goal was to build on the existing movement, and to develop a statewide plan for reducing Michigan's asthma problem in which everyone would see themselves. All of these partners working on asthma issues are the Asthma Initiative of Michigan.

The report about MASPI's findings includes 24 recommendations describing improvements that could be made in the areas of clinical care, professional and patient education, environmental quality, community action, and surveillance. Click here to see the recommendations. Ad Hoc work groups were formed in each of those areas to make the MASPI recommendations become reality.

One thing that became clear during the MASPI process was that it is often hard for both consumers and health professionals to get current, correct information on asthma diagnosis, treatment, and control plans. In addition, there are many people involved in asthma in Michigan who have trouble sharing important information on asthma resources, activities and events. It was decided that Michigan needed to start and maintain a network that would provide access to such information, and encourage communication through a centralized location. The Michigan Asthma Communication Network at the American Lung Association of Michigan provides this access, to improve the way asthma information is spread to health professionals, persons with asthma, and the general public. The Michigan Asthma Communication Network Committee of the Asthma Initiative of Michigan is responsible for the content on this website.

How is this website funded?

This website was developed in partnership with the Michigan Department of Community Health, with funding from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant. We have NO advertising or ad banners of any type on this site.

Who authors this website?

Content is based on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (reviewed and updated in 2002). Adaptation of the guidelines and other content provided through the combined efforts of the ad hoc work groups of the Asthma Initiative of Michigan. Clinical information was provided or reviewed by the Quality Improvement committee and the Michigan Asthma Communication Network committee.

The co-chairs of the Quality Improvement committee are:

Mark Millar, MD
Allergist/Immunologist, Allergy Consultant Services
President, Pediatric & Adult Asthma Network of West Michigan
Grand Rapids, Michigan

        Karen Meyerson, RN, BSN, AE-C
        Manager, Pediatric & Adult Asthma Network of W. Michigan
        Grand Rapids, Michigan

The chair of the Michigan Asthma Communication Network committee is:

Susan Blonshine, RRT, RPFT, FAARC, BS, AE-C
Director, Tech-Ed Consultants
Mason, Michigan

Training Opportunities:

Need to learn more about asthma? Check out training opportunities across the state and find the one that will help you the most. Can't find one that suits you? Click here and we'll try to help you.

Events Calendar:

If you need to find important information on asthma resources, activities and events, please check the events calendar below. Be sure to visit our "Training Opportunities" section to see if there is an upcoming training opportunity near you.

Contact Us/ Become a Member:

Do you have a question about AIM or this website? Feel free to send a question and we will try to help you.

Anyone can be a member of the Asthma Initiative of Michigan. A member is someone who is involved, or would like to be involved, in Michigan's drive to improve the lives of people with asthma. The only part of this website that is restricted to members is the coalition message board; all of the other parts of the site are open to all users. We will not sell or share our member lists with any other party- please read our privacy policy, terms and conditions of use for more information. In the future, members may receive other benefits, such as newsletters or emailed asthma alerts. Check the site often to find out what's new with AIM. Click here to become a member.