The Team Approach is one of the many things that distinguish the Asthma Education Centre from traditional models for delivering medical care.

Our Advisory Board includes health care administrators, physicians, educators, nurses, pharmacists, client representatives, a respiratory therapist and representatives of related non-profit organizations such as the P.E.I. Lung Association.

We are staffed by a Coordinator/Educator, Registered Respiratory Therapist/Educator and Administrative Assistant. For more information about the people who make up the Asthma Education Centre team, please check our Team Members below.

A project like ours would not have been possible without the generous support of our many sponsors and friends. Take a moment to learn a little about the organizations, government departments/agencies and corporations that have assisted us in reaching our goals. We couldn't have done it without them.

Dr. Mitchell Zelman, Co-chair Consultant Pediatrician, Queen Elizabeth Hospital "I firmly believe that patient education, offered by a variety of health care professionals plays a large role in the care and wellness of persons with asthma. As a pediatrician, I see many young patients with asthma and I know that with appropriate education, medication and care they can enjoy many of the same activities as their friends, without asthma. I am pleased to be included in a team of pharmacists, nurses, educators, respiratory therapists and others who are making this possible."

Mary Jean McCarthy, (RN, MN), Co-chair Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Prince Edward Island/Committee Member Knowledge Economy Partnership (KEP) "We often hear the expression, knowledge is power. Asthma Education is an essential component of asthma management and can make a tremendous difference for individuals with asthma and their families. Active involvement in asthma education can help individuals and their families to be better informed, more confident and more in control of asthma and thus enjoy an improved quality of life. It has been exciting to be involved in the development of the Pat Gill Asthma Education Centre and I am delighted that Island families now have access to such a Centre."

Dr. Brad Brandon, Medical Director, Emergency Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital "The ER is interested in helping to educate patients with chronic asthma. We hope that the number of emergency room visits and hospital admissions can be reduced if patients are provided with information about this disease, what causes it to improve, or worsen and what actions to take when it flares-up."

Dr. Doug Tweel, Family Physician "As a family physician, I recognize that by working with patients, their families and my colleagues in the health care community, I can help patients to maximize their health and wellness. I particularly like that the Asthma Education Centre brings together many different health care specialists and that patients of all ages can benefit from its services."

Dr. Barry Hunt, Specialist in Respiratory Medicine "I am very interested in the diagnosis and therapy of asthma which is a very large part of my practice. It is a condition which can greatly benefit from attention to detail . The staff at the Dr. Patrick Gill Asthma Education Centre are able to provide a very valuable service in this regard."

Vicki Bryanton, Executive Director, PEI Lung Association "The PEI Lung Association has offered education programs to Island children, adults and families with asthma for many years. (This includes the popular Camp Treasure Chest, a summer camp for kids with asthma). During this time, we knew there was opportunity for improvement in the area of one-on-one teaching. The Asthma Education Centre is meeting this need and the PEI Lung Association is pleased to share our experiences, our resources and our contacts in the community with the Centre's organizers for the benefit of people with asthma."

Rebecca Doiron, Nurse Manager, Pediatrics and Asthma Education Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital "This is an exciting program and a wonderful support for children and adults with asthma. Education and information is, I believe, key to helping people take control of asthma. The Pat Gill Asthma Education Centre is an excellent resource for patients of all ages living with asthma, and their families."

Michelle Holstrom, Volunteer, PEI Lung Association "As an adult with asthma, I can relate to the challenges facing other adults with this condition. I believe I am able to represent my own, and their interests to the group and that this has helped to shape the Centre and better meet the educational needs of adults with asthma."

Ron Matheson, Father of Child with Asthma (Member from June 1997 to June 1998) We thank Ron for his contributions to the committee as a parent representative.

Sandy MacLean, Home Care Supervisor, Southern Kings Health "As an 18-year veteran of emergency room nursing, I have personally seen great numbers of people with asthma come for emergency treatment. Knowing more about their condition, and how to control it can minimize, or eliminate these patient's need for emergency asthma care. The Centre is helping people to learn about their condition, their medications and interventions. Their approach involves family and focuses on long term health, something I strongly support."

Vera Szwarc, Mother of Child with Asthma

Brenda MacDonald, Resource, Project Manager, Queens Region Health "I believe good information can lead to good health. The Centre is proving this by providing clients with good information which is in fact leading to improved health. I have been involved since the earliest stages of this project and it has been gratifying to see the community and the health system come together, share resources, experiences and vision to make the Centre a reality. I see it making a difference for people and families with asthma."

Anne Cairns, Pharmacist, Sherwood Drug Mart

Judy Hansen, RN Nurse Educator/Coordinator "In my experience as a pediatric nurse, I have seen the negative impact asthma can have on families. I believe education is an essential component of asthma management and Islanders with asthma should have access to accurate and up-to-date asthma information. My role at the asthma centre allows me to assist families to manage their asthma and to make their choices based on informed decision."

Janette Conklin, Respiratory Therapist/Asthma Educator "As both a health care professional and a mother of a child with asthma, I have a keen interest in improving the management of asthma. The Asthma Education Centre provides me with an opportunity to apply my experience as a teacher with my expertise as a respiratory therapist to assist families to gain control of their asthma, rather then having their asthma, control them."

Tina Lowther, Receptionist/Secretary