The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania (AFT) is set to achieve 100 per cent sign up to its schools
program, thanks to a $30,000 boost from Hobart Friendly Care Pharmacies.
The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania’s Schools Program aims to reduce loss of life and improve
quality of life for Tasmanian students by putting simple, practical measures in place to create a safe
environment for children with asthma and severe allergies.
AFT Chief Executive Officer Cathy Beswick said with more than 80 per cent of Tasmanian schools
already on board, AFT was well on its way to achieving 100 per cent.
“The schools program provides school staff with a practical means to help decrease the likelihood of
deaths, physical discomfort and mental anguish due to asthma or allergies, and to reduce
absenteeism due to asthma,” Ms Beswick said.
“The generous donation will enable AFT to continue rolling out the successful program across the
state as well as raising awareness and encouraging those schools not already signed up to do so.
“Thanks to Hobart Friendly Care Pharmacies, our program will continue to educate and train key
staff and help Tasmanian schools meet the essential criteria to gain their Asthma and Anaphylaxis
Active accreditation.”
Hobart Friendly Care Pharmacies Chairman Mike Jury said the organisation was proud to be
supporting such a strong community-led initiative.
“If we can take preventive steps and help educate our younger generation about their health, then
this donation will mean much more than just dollars,” Mr Jury said.
“The schools program is a community-based program for children, which appealed to us greatly, as a
proud Tasmanian not-for-profit organisation.
“Our organisation was looking for a great local cause to invest in and it’s hard to go past the health
of Tasmania’s next generation.
“The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania does fantastic work with young people and I hope the
students are able to pass on their knowledge to their wider circles of friends and family.”
Cathy Beswick CEO – The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania
