Common Household Breathing Hazards Tackled In Alexandria Program

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Preventative solutions to help people with breathing-related chronic illnesses avoid hazards in their home is the focus of a new Alexandria Health Department program.

ALX Breathes launched as a permanent program in 2023. The program provides free assistance to people with asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) to help them eliminate common hazards that can cause a risk to breathing.

Natalie Talis, the population health manager for the Alexandria Health Department, told Patch the program began as a pilot program study. The study by the health department and Inova Health System helped 20 households with personal health goals through actions in their homes. The program's success led to a permanent program being created.

"Most asthma and COPD hospitalizations are preventable," said Talis. "These hospital visits can be extremely expensive, stressful, and unnecessary. Still, many people with asthma/COPD experience dangerous flare-ups due to poor quality housing and at-home triggers. A safe living environment reduces the risk of dangerous flare-ups that lead to hospital visits and absence from school, work, or social activities."

The ALX Breathes program, available in English and Spanish, tackles common health hazards that can trigger asthma and COPD — moisture and mold spores, dust and dust mites, poor ventilation, tobacco smoke, lead, pests like roaches, bed bugs, and rodents, and pet hair. Over several months, program participants receive guidance, free cleaning supplies and connections to services. Supplies provided by the program can include a HEPA portable air purifier, hypoallergenic bedding, gloves, masks, sponges, scrubbing brushes, healthy cleaning supply recipes, spray bottles, pest abatement tools, and common trigger information cards.

Health department staff will start with a first home visit to inform residents about the program, do a home assessment and set goals for the program. Follow-up visits will happen over several months in person and over the phone to teach residents how to goals of the program.

"Sometimes addressing these home issues is a knowledge issue, but other times it’s a navigation challenge," said Talis. "It’s not always easy to identify and apply for different services or resources in the community, so AHD provides personalized one-on-one instruction and referrals."

Having staff go through the program will help residents resolve future issues that arise.

"For example, if AHD works with the individual on how to best report issues to their landlord or contact Code Administration, they will be able to use that same process if something comes up after the program ends," said Talis.

To be eligible for the program, residents must live in the City of Alexandria, make less than 80 percent of the area median income, have a diagnosis of asthma or COPD from a health care provider, and agree to follow the guidelines for home visit safety. Eligible households include one person with $63,000 or less, two people with $72,000 or less, three people with $81,000 or less, and four people with $90,000 or less.

Funding for the program includes grant-funded staff and supply costs covered by the health department's general fund.