It is a big problem in the area.
In fact, Harlem has the dubious distinction of having the most childhood asthma hospitalizations in the city.
Thursday, a brand new asthma care center opened up.
With her asthma under control, 13-year old Briauna Ramos and her mother Raina Farrar have come to rely on the East Harlem Asthma Center of Excellence for the help that improves their lives.
"The community needs a center like this, a walk-in center where you can get vital information as well as support," Farrar said.
In East Harlem where more than 25% of children have asthma, along with the highest rate of childhood hospitalizations, the city is opening a new walk-in center on 110th Street.
It will continue the support, resources and education it began two years ago.
"If it happens and my mom's not home, what am I going to do? I'm just not going to sit there and not do something. I have to do something," Ramos said.
"We want to enhance and empower them to be able to communicate with their physician. We want them to understand what they must do to self manage for asthma," said director, Betty Perez-Rivera.
They can then be referred to other asthma center areas for help including critical medical care.
"To make sure that the patient understands the medicine they are taking. To make sure that home triggers are addressed like pests or mold," said Dr. Wilson Wang, EHACE Director.
To learn more about the center: CLICK HERE.
