Coalition for Asthma-Free Homes (CAFH)

American Lung Association of the City of New York, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Fifth Avenue Committee, Make the Road by Walking, New York City Aids Housing Network, New York Immigration Coalition, Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, Pratt Area Community Council, Urban Justice Center, WEACT for Environmental Justice

For Immediate Release

WITH INHALERS IN HAND, ASTHMATIC FAMILIES RALLY IN FRONT OF VERMIN-INFESTED BUILDING TO KICK OFF "ASTHMA WEEK OF ACTION" AND ANNOUNCE NEW COALITION

Doctors, Elected Officials, Asthmatics, and Advocates Decry Prevalence of Indoor Asthma Triggers in Substandard Housing; Call on City to Crack Down on Negligent Landlords

Rally To Be Held at Building with 133 Open Violations and Eight Asthmatic Tenants

In Response to Recent Spike in Asthma-related Hospitalizations in New York, City Officials Told Residents to "Go Indoors." Tenants Will Ask "What about the Tens of Thousands of Asthmatics Whose Housing Conditions Exacerbate Their Asthma?"

WHAT:        

Asthmatic tenants will speak about the impact of mold, and severe mouse and cockroach infestation on their asthma. The coalition calls for broad policy changes including passage of The Healthy Homes Act, which was introduced more than a year ago but has not yet received a hearing.  As part of the week of action, five thousand people will participate in the American Lung Association’s Asthma Walk this Saturday, and participating groups will host trainings and disseminate information about asthma management.  Hospital emergency room visits for asthma symptoms increased from 250 a day during the first three weeks of April to an average of 500 a day in the first week of May.

WHO:         

Coalition for Asthma-Free Homes

Make the Road by Walking members             

Dr. Edward Fishkin, Asthma Expert, Woodhull Medical Center

Local Elected Officials

WHEN:          

Wednesday, June 7, 11 am

WHERE:

211 Irving Avenue, Brooklyn  (between Himrod and Harman, M train to Knickerbocker Ave or L to Myrtle/Wyckoff)

VISUALS:          

Giant Asthma Pump Puppet

Tour of housing conditions following press conference