San Joaquin Valley, known for its challenging air quality, faces additional concerns during the winter season, particularly impacting asthma patients. Recently designated as an Asthma Capital by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Stockton grapples with high asthma rates and air pollution.
Jazmarie LaTour, Director of Little Manila Rising’s DAWN program, expressed the community's sentiments, stating, "It's not something anyone's proud of." Asthma, a chronic lung disease, becomes more challenging during winter due to cold, wet weather and limited fresh air circulation.
Andrea Bartels, a pharmacist, notes an increase in inhaler prescriptions during this season, often linked to chest colds. San Joaquin Valley asthmatics, regularly exposed to poor air quality, face unique winter triggers, including excess moisture leading to mold growth.
Alexis Garcia, a DAWN Community Health Equity Specialist, emphasizes the importance of addressing indoor and outdoor air conditions. The DAWN team, focusing on south Stockton, an area struggling with pollution, provides education, resources, and remediation tools. Some winter tools include dehumidifiers, moisture absorbers, and hygrometers, distributed for free to program participants.
DAWN collaborates with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, offering HEPA air purifiers and promoting long-term solutions like weatherizing homes. However, challenges arise for renters unable to modify their homes.
Stanislaus County has formed a coalition to create an asthma-friendly community, addressing the needs of tens of thousands of asthma patients in the region. Both Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties consistently receive failing grades in outdoor air pollution and quality.
To support asthma patients, residents are urged to stay informed about local air conditions, participate in Clean Air Days, and advocate for improved indoor and outdoor air quality discussions. Despite existing efforts, more advocacy is needed to enhance the well-being of asthma patients in the region.
Vivienne Aguilar is the health equity reporter for the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, in collaboration with the California Health Care Foundation (CHCF).