Suffolk Launches Asthma Education Campaign 'Know The Difference'

SMITHTOWN, NY — The "Know the Difference" Asthma Education Campaign was launched Thursday after resolutions creating the campaign passed the Suffolk County Legislature and were signed into law, Legislator Susan A. Berland's Office announced in a news release.

The new law requires all stores containing a pharmacy in Suffolk to post the "Know the Difference" poster, which provides patients with vital information regarding the proper use of asthma medications. The poster, developed in conjunction with the Asthma Coalition of Long Island, the Allergy & Asthma Network, the New York State Children’s Environmental Health Centers, the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition and the Suffolk County Department of
Health Services shows examples of "rescue" and controller medications. The poster will be available to consumers in English, Spanish and Haitian-Creole, the three most widely-spoken languages in Suffolk.

There are several types of asthma inhalers available to consumers. When they are used incorrectly or accidentally interchanged, poor outcomes may result which include avoidable hospitalization or death. Approximately 50 percent of adults and 40 percent of children with asthma do not have control of their asthma. Using appropriate medication can significantly improve their condition.

"Given the current public health crisis, it is more important now than ever to launch the 'Know the Difference' campaign to help patients understand and control their asthma," Berland said. "Respiratory health is at the forefront of all of our minds and now is the perfect time to act. The ‘Know the Difference’ campaign will serve as a tool to supplement the vital role that pharmacists play as part of a patient’s healthcare team. Suffolk County has long been a pioneer in affecting monumental change that later leads to regional and even nationwide change. It’s what we’ve done time and time again, and it’s what we’re doing now in launching the 'Know the Difference' Asthma Education Campaign."

Berland, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Department of Health Services Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott, members of the Legislature and representatives from local public health organizations were on hand for the launch.

"When an asthma attack occurs, every second matters and this educational measure will go a long way preventing something far more serious from happening," Bellone said. "I applaud Legislator
Berland for her tenacity on this issue and look forward to seeing the posters go up at pharmacies throughout the county."

The bill creating the campaign was co-sponsored in a bipartisan fashion by Vice Chairwoman of the Health Committee Legislator Leslie Kennedy, Legislator Jason Richberg and Legislator Sarah Anker.

Kennedy applauded Berland for the "lifesaving initiative."

"As a Nurse for 30 years, I have seen what can happen when patients use a Maintenance Inhaler instead of a Rescue Inhaler during an asthma attack," Kennedy said. "It can be deadly. Repeated education by MD’s, Nurses and Pharmacists will be assisted by the supplementation of this sign!"