WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire/ -- America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) today announced it has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) inaugural Leadership Award for Asthma Management for promoting quality asthma care to people across the country.
Karen Ignagni, AHIP President and CEO, said the award reflects the commitment of AHIP's member companies to improve the quality of life for the more than 20 million Americans who suffer from asthma.
"It is a great honor to be recognized by the EPA for our efforts and our members' efforts to improve the health of children and adults suffering from asthma," Ignagni said. "AHIP and the EPA are dedicated to advancing the standards of care for individuals afflicted with this all-too-common disease."
Elizabeth Cotsworth, the EPA's Director of the Office of Radiation and Indoor Air, expressed appreciation for the efforts of AHIP.
"Through the Taking on Asthma initiative, AHIP is providing tools and resources necessary to implement effective health care practices and improve standards of care for people with asthma," Cotsworth said.
As part of AHIP's commitment to advance asthma care and the integration of environmental management of asthma, AHIP will sponsor a 2005 Grant for Innovation in Asthma Care, a grant supported by the EPA. The $30,000 grant will be awarded to one AHIP member for their innovative asthma program that addresses the reduction of environmental risk factors, such as second hand smoke and major indoor allergens. AHIP will recognize the winning health insurance plan at next year's AHIP Institute.
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