Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has been named the fifteenth most challenging city for individuals with asthma in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). The report, released on Tuesday (September 9), highlights Harrisburg as one of the "Asthma Capitals" due to its higher-than-average asthma prevalence, emergency room visits, and asthma-related deaths.
The AAFA report evaluates cities based on these health outcomes and considers factors such as air quality, poverty rates, and access to healthcare. Detroit tops the list, followed by Allentown at number three and Baltimore at thirteen. The rankings aim to inform solutions that improve outcomes for people living with asthma and support healthier environments.
AAFA President Kenneth Mendez emphasized the economic burden of asthma, which costs an estimated $115 billion annually in the U.S. He noted that asthma can lead to missed work and school days, emergency visits, and hospitalizations. The report also coincides with the September Asthma Peak, a period marked by increased asthma-related emergencies due to factors like pollen and respiratory infections.
Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA, urged policymakers to address issues such as poor air quality and lack of healthcare access, which exacerbate asthma conditions. She highlighted the importance of making asthma care more affordable and accessible.
In Pennsylvania, asthma challenges are compounded by poor indoor air quality in older school buildings, particularly in cities like Philadelphia. The report suggests that creative solutions, such as initiatives to improve air quality, are needed to tackle the widespread issue of asthma in the region.
Report Names Allentown 3rd-Most Challenging Place For Those With Asthma