The National Asthma Control Program (NACP) is a public health program administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and healthcare costs. Although it’s the only federal program focused on asthma prevention and surveillance and currently funding community-based asthma interventions in 27 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., the NACP is not included in the President’s proposed budget for 2026. Without specific funding, the program could be eliminated—despite its long history of bipartisan support and strong outcomes.

Since its inception in 1999, the NACP has funded competitive grants to states, territories, and municipalities to implement evidence-based asthma management and prevention strategies. Funded programs support things like home assessments, programs to help people stop smoking, connecting people with doctors and prescriptions for asthma medicine, asthma management plans in schools, and much more.

Congress should restore this critical program. Contact your Michigan Congressional Representative and Senator and ask them to take action now.

Why preserving the NACP matters:

• Asthma is one of the most common and costly diseases in the U.S., affecting over 28 million Americans, including about 5 million children. Without prevention, costs will rise—especially for emergency care and hospitalizations.
• The NACP has a proven return on investment. It saves $71 for every $1 spent by preventing unnecessary ER visits and improving disease management. That’s exactly the kind of smart, efficient spending taxpayers expect.
• Cutting NACP means higher Medicaid and Medicare spending. States will see more ER visits, more missed school and work days, and higher long-term costs for both public and private insurers.
• The NACP is the only federal program focused on asthma prevention and surveillance.

What this means for Michigan:

• Michigan’s asthma program is 100% funded by the CDC’s NACP. If eliminated, the Michigan Asthma Prevention and Control Program (MiAPCP) will shut down, resulting in the loss of vital public health infrastructure.
• MiAPCP has led statewide efforts to improve access to valved-holding chambers (spacers) through Medicaid policy changes and pharmacy standing orders, ensuring children get the medications they need to stay out of the ER.
• The MATCH program—Managing Asthma Through Case Management in Homes—has helped reduce asthma hospitalizations by 83% and ED visits by 60% in Michigan, saving families and Medicaid millions. Without NACP support, this program’s sustainability is at risk.
• MiAPCP has trained over 800 child care providers through its Little Lungs Asthma Training, improving asthma management in early childhood settings and helping prevent emergencies.
• The program provides statewide surveillance data, resources for schools and healthcare providers, and technical support to local asthma initiatives. All of this would be lost, leaving Michigan’s asthma response fragmented and under-resourced.

Source: Asthma & Allergy Foundation, https://aafa.org/.