In 2008, the Prescott-Joseph Center founded the first Breathmobile® Program (BMo) in Northern California. The BMo is a sustainable, accessible, community-wide mobile pediatric asthma management program that shifts acute episodic cases to regular preventative care in accordance with national standards. In 2018, we added a 2nd Breathmobile for Contra Costa County.  

 

The Breathmobile is a 33ft. Winnebago RV outfitted with the latest medical equipment to function as a mobile asthma clinic. Inside the van, there is an intake station, a small waiting space, a testing area for vital signs including Oximetry, spirometry (to check children’s lung function), and an exam room. On board are two computer systems, a health risk assessment system for asthma, and a state of the art electronic medical records system called “MPT”.  This mobile asthma clinic is staffed by a combined team of in-house and per diem medical specialists ranging from licensed respiratory therapists, registered nurses, nurse practitioners and doctors serving pre-school and school aged children with asthma every 4-6 weeks at no-cost to the patient. The program provides full service asthma evaluation, treatment and education for asthma.  Every patient leaves with an asthma action plan that is shared with teachers and caregivers; medication, or means to obtain medication.  Patients are also referred to Health Homes project where an outreach worker goes out and inspects home(s) for asthma triggers and toxic products. BMo services are offered in English and Spanish. Prescott-Joseph también ofrece servicios en español.

​

The program quickly expanded beyond West Oakland to include schools in the communities of Oakland, West Contra Costa County, Bay View Hunters Point in San Francisco, along with school and Head Start sites in Alameda County: Emeryville, San Leandro, Berkeley, San Lorenzo, City of Alameda, and Hayward. While there is no cure for asthma, the disease can be effectively managed so that asthma patients can lead productive lives.  The Breathmobile is one important solution for addressing childhood asthma. It is estimated the BMo saves over $1,459,000 each year in reduced emergency room and 911 calls!