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A happy family of six stands outdoors, smiling. Two children are being playfully held by a man and woman, surrounded by an older couple. They wear casual summer clothes, and trees are visible in the background.
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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. 
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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. 
Laonis Quinn RN, MSN, AE-C sits at an information booth with a sign that reads "FREE Asthma Coaching Program." The table is covered with brochures, magazines, and clipboards. A banner behind the table proudly displays "Allergy & Asthma Network.

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. 

  • Access to accurate, easy-to-understand information about asthma, allergies and eczema
  • Personalized support from trained community members
  • Improved self-management skills and confidence
  • Reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations
  • Better quality of life through effective symptom control

  • Free education about chronic diseases  
  • Free virtual asthma coaching for patients to improve their asthma self- management and outcomes 
  • Access to culturally competent resources and training 
  • Improved patient outcomes and satisfaction 
  • Stronger connections with the communities they serve 

  • Increased awareness of asthma, allergy and eczema management 
  • Reduced health disparities and improved overall community health 
  • Empowerment through knowledge and resources 
  • Creation of a supportive network for those affected by allergies and asthma 
  • Economic benefits from reduced healthcare costs and improved productivity 

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. 

Asthma professional online giving an asthma coaching session with a woman with asthma

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. 

Two women stand behind a table with pamphlets and booklets about asthma coaching and health resources. A sign reads “Free Asthma Coaching Program.” The background features images of historical figures.
PEOPLE
SURVEYS COMPLETED
ELIGIBLE FOR ASTHMA COACHING
CITIES

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.

A report cover titled "trusted messengers 2020–2023 Impact Report" featuring a summary background and a horizontal infographic with five steps representing community engagement and impact on asthma awareness.
2020-2023 Impact Report
A report cover titled "trusted messengers 2020–2024 Impact Report," featuring a blue and gold design with an overview section and key initiative elements listed below.
2020-2024 Impact Report
A yellow, lined sticky note is taped at the top with a piece of transparent tape. The note is blank and has horizontal lines for writing.

I think the program is perfect. I‘ve learned a lot.” 

A yellow, lined sticky note is taped at the top with a piece of transparent tape. The note is blank and has horizontal lines for writing.

This is an extremely informative training. I learned a lot from participating.”

A yellow, lined sticky note is taped at the top with a piece of transparent tape. The note is blank and has horizontal lines for writing.

The asthma coach is very professional, creative, good listener and an excellent coach.” 

Awards

Award certificate with decorative border. Text reads: "Ragan CSR & Diversity Awards Honorable Mention." Year shown below is 2024.
A rectangle with a blue background displays "Ragan's CSR & Diversity Awards" in white text. A circular abstract design is on the left. Below the rectangle, the year "2022" is written in black.
Hexagonal badge with a colorful tree above the text "Social Impact Awards." A purple ribbon reads "Finalist" across the center. The number "2022" is below the ribbon.
A poster titled "2021 Health Equity Innovation Challenge Awardee" features a group of people, including a person holding a baby. The background shows a table with documents and a laptop. Text at the bottom reads "trusted.

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:

  • Partner with us to help spread the word about Trusted Messengers. Organizations can collaborate with us to bring the program to their communities. 
  • Attend Trusted Messengers events in your area, including health fairs, workshops and health screenings. You can volunteer at our exhibit booth or table. 
  • Refer patients to the Virtual Asthma Coaching Program. 
  • Join the Trusted Messengers Community Advisory Council to share learned experiences and best practices to advance health equity in under-resourced communities. 
  • Donate or become a program sponsor so we can expand our collective efforts. 

For more information or to get involved