The Asthma and Allergies Health Observance Package (HOP) is part of a nationwide public health science education project, the HOPE Partnership. The project is designed to enhance the general public's scientific literacy and to improve public understanding of the biomedical and health-related sciences and the impact of research on human health. Six methods of information dissemination being used to distribute health information to target audiences, found on this page, are called action mechanisms. They are Community Forums, Formal Education, Informal Education, Media Involvement, Non-profit Organizations, and Science Centers/Museums.

To create these asthma and allergies action mechanisms the University of Arizona Community Outreach and Education Program (COEP) members used the expertise of the scientists/investigators in the Pulmonary Toxicology and Lung Disease Research Core (RC2) of the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center (SWEHSC). We also partnered with Andrea M. Hricko (COEP Director at the Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center & Children's Environmental Health Center, University of Southern California).

Asthma & Allergy Resources explore this section to find variety of publications and other resources found on print and on the web.

Community Forums
One goal is to create avenues through which the public can gain information about current research. Another goal is to increase science and health literacy. An example of a community forum is a Public Town Hall Meeting sponsored by an NIEHS Center COEP, which has presentations from NIEHS Center investigators or COEP staff.

Media Involvement
The goals are to use diverse media outlets to reach and inspire new audiences to develop scientific literacy and to understand the impact of research on health. One method is for the COEP to write Op-Ed articles or Letters to the Editor to draw attention to the need for more research on asthma and its environmental links.

Formal Education
The goals are to enhance students' and teachers' science and health literacy through curricular materials and teacher training workshops where participants learn to use HOPE materials in the classroom.

Non-profit Organizations
The goal is to participate in established health observance events, such as "Asthma and Allergy Month" or "World Asthma Day" that are sponsored by other non-profit organizations.

Informal Education
The goals are to enhance students' and teachers' science and health literacy, through such activities as after-school sessions, parent meetings, and continuing education meetings.

Asthma Bingo (Download here) This game allows students to learn about basic asthma and allergy facts.

• Bingo Guidelines and Rules
• Bingo Cards
• Bingo Check Sheet

Science Centers/Museums
The goal is to promote science learning, to young people and to the general public. Methods include conducting and sponsoring events in science centers and museums, using HOPE materials, or training the staff of science centers/ museums to use material developed by HOPE.

	Background Information
	Training Procedure for Docents
	Materials Preparation and Setup
	Stations #1-5
	Game Area - Asthma Bingo
	Evaluations & Assessments