President's Letter
Encourage, Empower and Educate Patients and Families. The AAE developed this theme for the 2nd Annual Asthma Educators Day in May. This is also the theme of this year’s AAE conference to be held in Orlando, Florida, July 30-August 1.
Encourage, Empower and Educate Patients and Families. This fits nicely with the mission of AAE: The Association of Asthma Educators is the premier inter-professional organization striving for excellence to raise the competency of diverse individuals who educate patients and families living with asthma.
What are some of the highlights AAE has accomplished over the past year to strive for this mission?
- The first edition of the Journal, JAAE was released in February 2010. This is a peer reviewed bimonthly journal and a member benefit. Abstracts from the AAE conference in Orlando will be presented in the June 2010 issue of JAAE.
- The AAE Newsletter will continue to be published. This is also a member benefit. In 2004 the AAE Member Survey reported 82% of respondents identified the AAE Newsletter as an important benefit. This continues today.
- The Becoming an Asthma Educator and Care Manager and Asthma Educator Review courses continue to be offered in increasing numbers around the country. Since January 2010 courses have been offered in CA(2), MT, TX, FL and NY.
- The Asthma Educator Review Course on DVD was updated to incorporate the EPR-3 Guidelines.
- Streaming videos of selected conference presentations are available on the AAE website for continuing education credit. Current streaming videos include Spirometry and Anaphylaxis.
- AAE continues to grow! The BOD met last fall to update the strategic plan. Once the bylaws have been approved the committee structure will change to reflect the growth of AAE. More on this to follow in the next newsletter.
- The 2nd Annual Asthma Educators Day occurred the first Monday in May, 2010. State Governors’ in a number of states declared this Asthma Educators Day.
- A community service event is now incorporated into the annual AAE Conference. This summer the activity will be August 1st.
The Association of Asthma Educators is a non-profit organization dependent on the many volunteers to make these highlights happen. Thank you to the many volunteers who enable the Association of Asthma Educators to grow and develop each year! Remember, Encourage, Empower and Educate Patients and Families!
Sincerely,
Ann Mullen, RN, MSN, CNS, AE-C
Patient Education Coordinator
National Jewish Health
President
Association of Asthma Educators