United Hospital Center - Camp Catch Your Breath

What is it?

In an effort to reach asthma sufferers early in childhood and puberty – especially those who fall into lower-income categories – Camp Catch Your Breath was formed more than 20 years ago. The camp is hosted at Jackson’s Mill 4-H Camp by United Hospital Center and the American Lung Association of West Virginia, along with support from a network of other not-for-profit hospitals in the state. Camp Catch Your Breath serves the dual purpose of allowing 70 children with asthma to have a genuine, fun summer camp for a week, while receiving both constant medical supervision and education on how to keep their asthma in control at camp and in their everyday lives.

Who is it for?

Children with asthma ages 8 to 13 in West Virginia and surrounding states.

Why do they do it?

The burden of asthma in the state of West Virginia is significant. About one out of every nine (11.7 percent), or about 175,000 adults, has lifetime asthma. The state now ranks fifth highest in current asthma prevalence. The lifetime asthma rate for West Virginia adults was greatest among those 18 to 24 years of age, those who had not graduated from high school, and those with an annual income of less than $15,000.

Impact

Families of previous campers report that children who have been to camp missed fewer days of school, had higher levels of confidence and self-esteem, and had fewer trips to the emergency department for crisis care. More than 1,000 children have attended over the past 20 years.

Contact: Sonny Hoskinson, RPh
Director, Camp Catch Your Breath
Telephone: 681-342-1560
E-mail: hoskinsons@uhcwv.org