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For Sergio Bueno, age 9, “the Asthma Camp was so cool because I got to learn how to manage my breathing; and I played soccer and I had much fun with my new friends”

Yuma, AZ. – A big breath was taken by around 20 children from all over the Yuma County when they learned that suffering Asthma does not mean for them to stop from having fun.

The Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. a non-profit organization based in Somerton, Arizona once again celebrated the 11^th Yuma County Annual Asthma Camp Not-A-Choo, which empowers children who suffer from this condition and help them manage their symptoms.

The free event was held this past Tuesday July 7^th, 2015 at the Cocopah Casino and Resort, where a warm welcome was given to the kids and parents by Ms. Amanda Aguirre, President and CEO of the RCBH.

Children between the ages of 8 to 11 were engaged in sport activities including kickball, relaxing/breathing exercises, and asthma medication classes such as the “Open Airways Curriculum” presented by Lorraine Randolph, with the Yuma County Health Services District; and by Mr. Paul Shah, with Santa Teresa Pharmacy. 

Alex Valenzuela, Director of Social Services with RCBH, coordinated the program with the assistance of Adrian Tapia, Unit Lead Medical Assistant/Unit Compliance Officer with San Luis Walk-In Clinic, Inc., Elizabeth Arredondo, Program Coordinator, and a group of Family Care Coordinators who kept an eye on the children during the full day event.

The program also included the participation of students with the 2015 “Our Children/Our Community” Community Outreach Campaign and Youth Leadership Program, who played three examples of how asthma impact every day’s life dynamic.

For Sergio Bueno, age 9, “the Asthma Camp was so cool because I got to learn how to manage my breathing; and I played soccer and I had much fun with my new friends”.

A Graduation Ceremony was held at the end of the day, where parents could watch a slide presentation with pictures and videos of every moment their children had at the Asthma Camp. Also a Certificate of Good Asthma Management and a Certificate of Participation was presented by Ms. Ines Pampara, Director of Professions and Training Development to each participant.

With appropriate measures, having asthma should not mean an impediment for children to play safely outdoors, which is why the Regional Center for Border Health, Inc., Western Arizona Health Education Center (WAHEC) in collaboration with the Yuma County Health Services District offers the Yuma County Annual Asthma Camp Not-A-Choo.

For more information please contact Mariajose Almazan, Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of the RCBH at (928) 627-9222 or via e-mail at mrincon@rcfbh.org