On September 25th, the Brockton Hospital Department of Pediatrics and a team of community agencies including Self Help and the Brockton Public Schools hosted a free Asthma Camp for children and their families at the Baker School in Brockton. Brockton's asthma rate is twice the statewide average, and causes families great worry and health expense. More than 50 campers and their parents attended the camp to learn about asthma triggers, symptoms, management, household hazards etc., in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Educational tables used familar tools like teddy bears to teach children about visits to the doctor. A "Household Hazards" table educated parents about common Asthma triggers in their own homes.  Attendees also participated in a raffle, including giveaways of hypoallergenic mattress covers and pillows, and vacuum with a HEPA filter, which helps asthmatic children avoid an attack.  HEPA, or "high efficiency particulate air," is a type of filter that can trap a large amount of very small particles other vacuum cleaners would recirculate back into the air of a home.