Gloster is a rural and underserved community in Mississippi that has been impacted by air pollution, most notably from a wood pellet factory located in town. In turn, children are experiencing asthma and other respiratory-related illnesses. With no public schools or local medical doctors in the community, Dr. Krystal Martin, Greater Greener Gloster Project (a local Community Organizer/Activist and CHARTER TIP grant awardee), set out to provide education and awareness to local children and families to improve the quality of life for children suffering with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Dr. Martin put together a community health forum and brought in a respiratory health expert to educate and empower 37 children, families, and community leaders about asthma. The respiratory expert provided hands-on educational pamphlets and visuals, helped participants identify and understand personal asthma triggers, and also demonstrated the correct usage of peak flow meters and spacers when using an inhaler. Demonstrations allowed families the opportunity to practice the correct use of inhalers, and many parents discovered that they had been improperly using them.

“Overall, I think this grant opportunity allowed us to make a positive impact on our youth and families. The funds allowed us the opportunity to bring a professional healthcare service to our rural community that benefitted both the youth and their parents. The data will help us to apply for other grant  opportunities, better inform our community, and with our advocacy efforts on the state and federal levels.” – Dr. Martin