KING COUNTY, WA - As part of an initiative to assess the needs of children with asthma and their families, the King County Asthma Forum will hold two Asthma Summits this weekend on "Asthma and Our Children."

"I know what it's like not to be able to breathe as a result of an asthma attack," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "People should learn about this disease and how to control it in order to lead normal, healthy lives."

Asthma disproportionately affects low-income and minority children. Low-income children, compared to high-income children, are more than twice as likely to suffer from asthma.

"Eliminating these inequalities is central to our public health mission," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Hospitalization for asthma, for the most part, can be prevented when kids and their parents are taught to manage the disease at home."

The Summits are free to the public, and families with children who have asthma are invited to attend.

Saturday, May 19th
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Foster High School
4242 S 144th, Tukwila

Sunday, May 20th
2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Garfield Community Center
2323 E. Cherry, Seattle

The events will include:

• presentations in English, Spanish and Vietnamese on asthma and what families can do to help children with asthma stay healthy
• free food, exhibit booths, door prizes, and a children's game room

For more information about the Summits in English call (800) 778-2232, in Vietnamese call (206)205-1647, and in Spanish call (206) 296-2781, or visit the King County Asthma Forum website at www.metrokc.gov/health/asthma/forum.htm