(Boston)— Boston Medical Center (BMC) received the 2009 National Environmental Leadership Award in Asthma Management from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). BMC was recognized as a national model for effective asthma care at a recent National Asthma Forum in Washington, D.C.
The National Environmental Leadership Award recognizes innovative approaches programs use to successfully improve the lives of asthma patients in their communities. The approaches are proven to deliver results through strong collaborations and community ties, integrated health care services, committed leadership, and effective environmental management.
"Asthma is a public health issue, an economic issue, and an environmental issue that touches entire communities," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "This year's award winners are leading the way toward real solutions, and giving hope to the millions of Americans – many of them children – who battle asthma. We have a long way to go, but with the innovation and hard work of these winners, we are making progress."
The National Asthma Forum serves as the premier event for EPA's Communities in Action for Asthma-Friendly Environments campaign to mobilize and equip 1,000 communities to lead the nation in the delivery of quality asthma care. Through the campaign, EPA supports a network of community-based asthma programs with tools and technical assistance to drive learning and ongoing improvement of asthma care. For more information on EPA's asthma program, visit http://www.epa.gov/asthma.
Boston Medical Center is a private, not-for-profit, 626-licensed bed, academic medical center affiliated with Boston University School of Medicine. Committed to providing high-quality health care to all, the hospital offers a full spectrum of pediatric and adult care services including primary and family medicine and advanced specialty care with an emphasis on community-based care. Boston Medical Center offers specialized care for complex health problems and is a leading research institution. Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine are partners in the Boston HealthNet—15 community health centers focused on providing exceptional health care to residents of Boston. For more information, please visit www.bmc.org.