Advancing a nationwide effort to offer free screening and patient education to those at greater risk of poor outcomes related to asthma, COPD, eczema, and food allergies.
Strengthening Communities, Inspiring Change: The Trusted Messengers Program
Allergy & Asthma Network’s Trusted Messengers program is a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform lives and communities affected by asthma, allergies and related conditions. This innovative program is bridging gaps in healthcare, providing vital patient education, and fostering a supportive network.
About the Trusted Messengers Program
Trusted Messengers is Allergy & Asthma Network’s award-winning multifaceted health equity initiative. It is designed to reduce healthcare inequity by helping people to:
- get the education from credible sources;
- adopt healthy behaviors;
- gain confidence to make informed health decisions.
Trusted Messengers is built on a belief in community-led solutions to achieve equity in healthcare. The program began in 2020 to address the negative health impacts of COVID-19 and asthma. It focused on Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino and under-resourced communities, particularly those disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and asthma.
Today, Trusted Messengers focuses on asthma, allergies, eczema and related diseases nationwide, with a continued emphasis on under-resourced communities. We work with trusted community leaders and healthcare providers to conduct health assessments at local events, provide educational resources, and ensure that our message reaches people who need it most.
We partner with:
- local churches
- faith-based organizations
- local and national groups
- community health centers
- healthcare professionals in under-resourced communities
Communities that are underserved and under-resourced have limited access to quality healthcare. Black people, Hispanic/Latino people and white people in rural communities have a higher risk of poor health outcomes than white, non-rural, non-Hispanic people. They tend to face:
- Challenges with access to medications and treatments;
- Overwhelming long wait times to see a specialist;
- Increased risk of hospitalizations and death due to asthma, allergies and related conditions.
Goals and Objectives for the Trusted Messengers Program
This innovative program leverages the power of community connections to deliver vital health information and support in the following ways:
- Increase awareness of asthma, allergy and eczema management.
- Provide culturally competent education and resources in English and Spanish.
- Improve access to screening and early intervention.
- Reduce unplanned doctor, urgent care and emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
- Encourage trust in the healthcare system, self-management, self-advocacy, and shared decision-making.
- Create opportunities for patients to learn about engagement in research and participation in clinical trials.
Benefits of the Trusted Messengers Program
The Trusted Messengers program offers numerous advantages to stakeholders in the asthma and allergy community.
By bridging the gap between medical expertise and community trust, the Trusted Messengers program creates a powerful synergy that benefits all involved parties and contributes to healthier, more resilient communities.
How the Trusted Messengers Program Works
The Trusted Messengers program uses a structured approach that combines education, community engagement, and personalized support:
- Community partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations, faith-based institutions, and community leaders to connect with and offer free educational resources to patients and caregivers.
- Outreach and education: Trusted Messengers staff participate in workshops, health fairs, and one-on-one sessions to share vital information and resources.
- Screening and referrals: The program includes asthma and allergy screenings at events, connecting at-risk individuals with appropriate healthcare providers.
- Virtual Asthma Coaching Program: This award-winning program complements in-person efforts, offering accessible support and self-management education through a 6-session online course taught by a certified asthma educator.
- Ongoing support: Trusted Messengers provides follow-up to the Virtual Asthma Coaching Program, at the 12th and 20th weeks and 7th and 13th months, to evaluate progress in asthma management. This helps community members continue to navigate their health journey and access necessary resources to manage their health.
By combining these key components, the Trusted Messengers program creates a comprehensive support system that addresses the unique needs of each community member it serves.
Results from the Trusted Messengers Program
The Trusted Messengers Program has been successfully running since 2020. The results show that people benefit from the program overall. Click on reports below to see details of the impact of our work.
100% of people agree or strongly agree the program was useful
Awards
Get Involved with Trusted Messengers
Join us in our mission to improve the lives of those affected by allergies and asthma. Here is how you can participate in the Trusted Messengers program:
