Utica, NY — Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (119th District) today hosted a virtual roundtable
discussion bringing together educational leaders, academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and community
partners to address the impact of pediatric asthma on children and families throughout the Mohawk Valley.
The roundtable featured presentations from the American Lung Association on the prevalence of asthma across
New York State and its effects on student health, school attendance, and academic success, as well as an overview
of resources available through the New York State Children’s Asthma Initiative (NYSCAI). Molloy University
nursing faculty and student leaders also presented their Lung Force model of academic-community partnership,
highlighting opportunities to adapt that work locally.
Participants explored school-based support strategies and identified opportunities to build lasting partnerships
between local academic institutions, healthcare providers, school districts, and community organizations dedicated
to improving asthma outcomes for children and families in the region
“Every child deserves an equal chance to thrive in the classroom, but the effects of asthma too often
keeps children home from school, on the sidelines, and out of the physical and learning experiences
they need to drive their success. Improving academic success and empowering student’s futures means
removing the health barriers that stand between them and full participation, and that starts with
awareness, education, and strong community partnerships. I am grateful for, and would like to extend
my gratitude to the American Lung Association, Molloy University, and every educator, healthcare
provider, and community leader who joined us today to help build a healthier path forward for children
and families across the Mohawk Valley and across this great State.” ~Assemblywoman Buttenschon
“Pediatric asthma continues to impact the health, attendance, and academic success of children across
New York State. Meaningful progress happens when healthcare providers, schools, academic
institutions, community organizations, and families work together to support children where they live,
learn, and play. The New York State Children’s Asthma Initiative, a joint initiative of the American
Lung Association and NYS Department of Health Asthma Control Program, is proud to partner with
organizations across the state to expand access to asthma education, strengthen community
connections, and help ensure that every child with asthma has the tools and support needed to thrive.”
~Melesha Brisset, MPA, AE-C – New York State Children’s Asthma Initiative
“At Molloy University, Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences, we are focused on
developing opportunities for our students to engage with our Four Pillars of Study, Spirituality,
Community, and Service—principles that prepare them to become future healthcare leaders. Through
these experiences, our students provide asthma education tailored to the needs of the communities we
serve, and help to reduce health disparities. The academic–community partnerships we have developed
and sustained over time are the foundation of this work, allowing us to advance our mission of
addressing and mitigating the burden of asthma in our communities.” ~Loren O. Dempsey, DNP, RN,
PPCNP-BC, AE-C, Assistant Professor, Barbara H. Hagan School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Attendees included nursing faculty and leadership from local academic institutions, school health professionals,
representatives from area hospitals and healthcare systems, county public health partners, and community-based
organizations serving children and families affected by asthma.
The discussion is part of Assemblywoman Buttenschon’s ongoing commitment to improving public health
outcomes and strengthening community partnerships across the 119th District.
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About Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon
Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon proudly represents New York’s 119th Assembly District, encompassing
the cities of Utica and Rome as well as the Towns of Floyd, Deerfield, Marcy, and Whitestown. From a lifelong
educator and former Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College,
to a small family farm owner, Buttenschon brings decades of experience advocating for equity, access, and
opportunity across public health, education, agriculture, and emergency services. In the Assembly, she serves as
Chair of the Committee on Small Business and as a member of the Agriculture, Education, Higher Education, and
Veterans’ Affairs Committees, where she champions bipartisan solutions to improve quality of life. Her work
reflects a steadfast commitment to ensuring that every family in her district and beyond can live with dignity,
support, and a voice in their future.
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