SUPPORTERS...Marion Bay’s Cara Mullen and daughter Lilly, with an
Asthma Emergency Kit she was given after a recent trip to hospital.
Ms Mullen is a supporter of the new Asthma Community Connector service.

HIGH asthma rates in the southern Yorke Peninsula will now receive extra support.

Almost one in six people on Yorke Peninsula have asthma, compared to one in eight at a state level and one in nine nationally.

Country Health Connect’s Vicki Hill said extra support would be provided through an Asthma Community Connector local support person.

“We hope the creation of this role will reduce accident and emergency presentations and admittance to hospital and generally support people to live well with their asthma,” Ms Hill said.

The service was first developed in the Mid North by community members with asthma, and will now help people in Minlaton, Yorketown, and surrounding areas.

The project will employ and train a local person living with asthma to help people recognise and manage asthma.

Other paid roles will also be available to help the Asthma Australia team and promote the project.

Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman said it can be simple things which stop people from breathing well.

“Don’t put up with not being able to breathe well. Improving your breathing could be a matter of a few simple steps,” she said.

“The first step to getting better is talking about it. Asthma is one of those conditions that can remain hidden and behind closed doors, so to speak.

“I encourage people to speak to the Asthma Community Connector to see if we can help.”

Country and Outback Health respiratory nurse Glenda Woodward said the service was a good opportunity for people to find out more about managing asthma, and connecting with people with similar concerns.

The program is funded by Country SA PHN.

“Listening to local stories and providing strategies and solutions based on community need is the most effective way of delivering primary health care improvements,” Country SA PHN CEO Kim Hosking said.

“Empowering individuals to effectively support their health and become partners in their own care in turn increases the whole community’s health literacy.”

While asthma triggers are unique for each person, it can include pollen, dust, cold and dry weather.

To find out more about the program and its paid or voluntary roles, contact Asthma Australia’s Michelle Davis on mdavis@asthma.org.au or 8238 9323.

For more information, visit: asthma.org.au/what-we-do/current-projects/asthma-in-regional-south-australia/asthma-community-connector-yorke-peninsula/