Rep. TJ Cox Introduces Asthma Care and Prevention in Rural Communities Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman TJ Cox (CA-21) joined Congressmen Juan Vargas (CA-51) and Eliot L. Engel (NY-16) in introducing the Asthma Care and Prevention in Rural Communities Act, legislation that will provide underserved rural communities with the resources they need, like mobile clinics and telehealth services, to children with asthma, keeping them out of the emergency room. The bill will also require the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to perform a study on the consequences of rural asthma and propose potential solutions to Congress.  

“Cities in the Central Valley have the worst air quality in the nation, contributing to high asthma rates that disproportionately impact our children,” said Congressman TJ Cox. “This legislation will bring critical telehealth services and mobile clinics to asthma patients in rural and underserved areas like those in my district. I am pleased to work with my colleagues to keep our kids in school and out of the hospital.”  

Background: CDC studies show that children in urban communities who have access to asthma clinics and care have fewer missed school days, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits. The devastating impact of asthma on children living in rural communities is understudied, however this critical piece of legislation will provide research on best treatment practices for children with asthma in rural counties and underserved areas to ensure they have access to asthma care services.