IN.gov - Skip Navigation

Note: This message is displayed if (1) your browser is not standards-compliant or (2) you have you disabled CSS. Read our Policies for more information.

Chronic Disease > Asthma Program > Asthma Home Asthma Home

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects over half a million children and adults living in Indiana. The mission of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Chronic Respiratory Disease Program is to reduce the burden of asthma in Indiana.

The Chronic Respiratory Disease Program works closely with the Indiana Joint Asthma Coalition (InJAC) to implement activities in the State Asthma Plan. The State Asthma Plan guides the development and implementation of interventions that improve the health and quality of life of Hoosiers with asthma. The program also maintains a comprehensive surveillance system for the ongoing, systematic collection of asthma data. In addition to data collection, the system also allows for analysis and interpretation of asthma data, which is essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program.

NEW 2011 Asthma Burden Report!

Click here to view an updated report describing the burden of asthma in Indiana. 

ONLINE Resource for Healthcare Providers

A set of simple tools, The Asthma Guideline Implementations Steps and Tools (GIST) was developed by the Michigan Department of Community Health to assist providers in making treatment decisions for their asthma patients.    

Fly A Flag for Clean Air Program for Schools

The Fly a Flag for Clean Air Program uses colored flags based on U.S. EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) to notify teachers, coaches, students, and others about outdoor air quality conditions. Schools raise a colored flag each day that corresponds to their local air quality forecast. The purpose of this program is to create public awareness of outdoor air quality conditions so children can continue to play and have fun while protecting their health when air quality is in unhealthy ranges. Children are at greater risk from air pollution because their lungs are still developing and they breathe more air per pound of body weight than adults. Even when air quality is unhealthy, exercise can be continued indoors for children who have symptoms outdoors.   This program is available to all schools throughout Indiana (on a first come, first served basis). Schools that enroll in the program will be asked to also make their school campus an “Idle Free Zone”, be a tobacco free campus, and have asthma action plans on file for all students with a diagnosis of asthma. All schools will receive a custom set of Air Quality Index flags, provided by Anthem and the WellPoint Foundation. Additionally schools will receive Idle Free Zone signs provided by Knozone/City of Indianapolis Office of Sustainability, Improving Kids Environment, and Duke Energy. Age appropriate curriculum and educational materials about indoor and outdoor air quality related to health will also be provided.   Find out how your school can participate in this FREE program

Be Clean, Be Green, Be Healthy

"Green Cleaning Programs" improve indoor air quality and reduces hazardous chemical use thus advancing healthier learning environments for children and a safer workplace for staff. 

"Green Cleaning Programs" also include a comprehensive training program for custodial staff on the handling of chemicals, cleaning procedures, equipment operations, and Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) - required training.

The New York State Office of General Services (OGS), under the leadership of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, is pleased to provide this website for use by institutions and the general public. Its purpose is to offer facility managers, school administrators, educators, parents, and citizens a wealth of free information and tools to promote adoption of effective green cleaning practices, leading to healthier indoor environments.

Take the online training and find resources for your own "Green Cleaning Program"

The Clinical Effort Against Secondhand Smoke Exposure (CEASE)

CEASE is a program to help child healthcare clinicians adjust their office setting to address family tobacco use in a routine and effective manner. Visit their website for more information at http://www2.massgeneral.org/ceasetobacco/

Contact Us

If you would like to know more about the program or you have a specific need for asthma information or services, please contact the program at

Indiana State Department of Health
Chronic Respiratory Disease Program, Chronic Disease Division
2 North Meridian Street, Section 6B
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Telephone: (317) 233-7299
Fax: (317) 233-7805

Stay Connected

You are leaving the IN.gov website. By clicking OK, you will be taken to a website that is not affiliated with the State of Indiana and may have different privacy and security policies. The State of Indiana is not responsible for, and does not endorse, guarantee, or monitor content, availability, viewpoints, products, or services that are offered or expressed on this non IN.gov portal website.