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MDCH Receives Grant to Evaluate Effectiveness of a Mid-Michigan Asthma Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2012

LANSING - In July, the Michigan Department of Community Health's (MDCH) Healthy Homes Section received a $211,443 grant from The Kresge Foundation to evaluate data for the past six years from a Healthy Homes program in the greater Lansing area. Preliminary findings indicate significant decreases in the effect of asthma on children who participated in the program.

The MDCH Healthy Homes Section focuses on creating a safe and healthy environment in Michigan homes by removing hazards such as lead, allergens, and pests that can lead to health problems. The program, known as Healthy Homes University, provided families with long-term personalized education and in-home interventions known to reduce asthma triggers.

"Our hope is that this evaluation can be used to add this program to a list of nationally-recognized best practices in Healthy Homes programming and research," said James K. Haveman, Director of the MDCH. "Very few Healthy Homes programs across the country are able to analyze how program interventions affect health outcomes. This grant is important not only to Michigan, but to asthma programs across the nation as it will help demonstrate the effectiveness of these interventions on the lives of our children."

Final results of the evaluation are expected to be released in October 2014. For more information about the MDCH Healthy Homes Section, visit www.michigan.gov/healthyhomes.

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The Kresge Foundation is a $3 billion private, national foundation that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organizations working in its seven program areas: Arts and Culture, Community Development, Detroit, Education, the Environment, Health, and Human Services.