Mobile Asthma Treatment Clinic

* It’s somewhat puzzling to see your paper give so much attention to a new composting process that makes better use of “zoo-doo” in Griffith Park (April 25) one day after The Times totally ignored a well-publicized opening event for a new program that brings a mobile asthma diagnosis and treatment clinic--the first of its kind in the nation--directly to children at local schools.

The Breathmobile, which operates out of a large recreation-type vehicle fully equipped and staffed as a medical office, serves children who live in the low-income areas surrounding 18 schools in East Los Angeles. About 4,000 to 5,000 patient visits are expected during the first year as this vehicle makes the rounds, seeing 60 students each week and returning to each school every six weeks.

It is only through the hard work and collaborative efforts of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (Los Angeles Chapter), L.A. County/USC Medical Center and the Los Angeles Unified School District that this program was established. Because asthma, allergies and related breathing problems are the No. 1 cause of children’s absence from school, we feel it is important that your readers are aware of this new service.

When asthmatic children are able to breathe properly with the help of appropriate treatment, they can attend school regularly, do better at their studies--and enjoy the results of zoo-doo composting at Griffith Park, too!

FRANCIE MURPHY

Board Member

Asthma & Allergy Foundation

Los Angeles Chapter

SHEL ERLICH

LAUSD