Greater Milwaukee Foundation grants $1.25M to Children’s to tackle childhood asthma

Milwaukee, Wis., May 10, 2016 – The Greater Milwaukee Foundation has awarded a $1.25 million grant to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin aimed at reducing the health risks and economic burden of asthma on children in greater Milwaukee.

The Foundation’s funding is launching a five-year research project focused on identifying and reducing irritants in the home that trigger asthma symptoms. This work has the potential to improve health and decrease medical costs for people affected by asthma, especially children of color living in urban Milwaukee.

“Research shows that asthma disproportionately affects communities of color with devastating impact. African Americans have the highest prevalence of asthma, are hospitalized at five times the rate of white patients and are four times more likely to die of asthma. We have the opportunity through this community research project to focus resources where they are needed most,” said Ellen Gilligan, president and CEO of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation. “Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin brings unique capabilities and expertise in community research to this project that will benefit children in Milwaukee, in our region and throughout Wisconsin. The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is pleased to support and partner with CHW on this important effort.”

Throughout the state, 12 percent of adults and 11 percent of children have been diagnosed with asthma. Reduced health care utilization would provide financial savings to the region as a whole. On average, each hospitalization costs $13,300, meaning the annual costs related to asthma admissions in Wisconsin exceed $63 million.

Home irritants are known to be higher in urban environments, with new data suggesting urban pesticide exposure may be a significant contributor. Expanding on previous work, Children’s Hospital allergists will lead this new research by conducting outreach and education about irritant triggers directly in the homes of asthmatic children living in urban Milwaukee.

“This grant supports Children’s mission to serve the families and children of Wisconsin,” said Peggy Troy, president and CEO of Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. “The results will not only benefit those participating, but be shared and used with other health systems and providers so that Wisconsin can have the healthiest kids in the country.”

The research and community health team will assess participants’ level of exposure to asthma irritants in the home, as well as recommend how families can eliminate or lessen the exposures.

The research will incorporate a preliminary genetic study that will examine associations between a participant’s genes, the irritants that trigger their asthma and their response to environmental interventions. Data about these genetic differences could inform expanded research in the future.

“I have learned that true change happens through partnership and I’m proud to partner with the Greater Milwaukee Foundation to help address this particular health disparity,” said Troy. “I am confident the results of this project will improve the quality of life for families managing asthma by reducing the amount of visits to the emergency room. Less visits mean reduced stress and anxiety worrying about their child’s asthma, not to mention having less medical bills.”

Over five years, this project will not only directly improve the lives of participating children living with this chronic disease, it will help determine the effectiveness of the program for impacting asthma control. Long term results could involve stakeholders – including insurance payers and health care systems – using the information to implement or expand similar programs in their communities.

The grant is being funded through the Foundation’s Russell J. and Betty Jane Shaw Fund, which supports medical research for childhood diseases. The Shaws were Wisconsin natives who lived their married lives in Whitefish Bay and Glendale. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Russell was an area businessman. Betty, a Downer College graduate, gave generously of her time as a community volunteer.

About the Greater Milwaukee Foundation
For more than a century, the Greater Milwaukee Foundation has helped individuals, families and organizations realize their philanthropic goals and make a difference in the community, during their lifetimes and for future generations. The Foundation consists of more than 1,200 individual charitable funds, each created by donors to serve the charitable causes of their choice. The Foundation also deploys both human and financial resources to address the most critical needs of the community and ensure the vitality of the region. Established in 1915, the Foundation was one of the first community foundations in the world and is now among the largest.

greatermilwaukeefoundation.org  | @GrMKEFdn  |  facebook.com/GreaterMilwaukeeFoundation

About the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin
Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin is the region’s only independent health care system dedicated solely to the health and well-being of children. The hospital, with locations in Milwaukee and Neenah, Wisconsin, is recognized as one of the leading pediatric health care centers in the United States. In the City of Milwaukee, Children’s operates primary care clinics located at the Northside YMCA and COA Goldin Center, managed in partnership with Marquette University College of Nursing, a primary care clinic located at the Next Door Foundation site, urgent care services at the Sixteenth Street Community Health Center on the south side and a school nurse program at Milwaukee schools. Children’s also provides 10 registered nurses who see students more than 9,000 times per year. For many children without regular access to a pediatrician, the school nurse becomes the most important health care provider in their lives. Children’s achieves its mission in part through donations from individuals, corporations and foundations and is proud to be a member of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For more information, visit the website at chw.org.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.