Christy Haas-Howard,
MPH, RN, Health Program Director at the National Environmental Education Foundation
Asthma affects more than 25 million individuals in the US, and more than 4 million children under 18 are diagnosed with it. The burden of asthma is not evenly distributed, with Black children are more than twice as likely to have asthma as their non-Hispanic white counterparts. As young people move into their teen and young adult years, with greater independence and responsibility, taking ownership of their asthma management is essential for their health and wellbeing. In partnership with NEEF and with input from pediatric asthma experts, we collaborated with dynamic creatives to craft uplifting and culturally relevant tracks that celebrate and affirm the power of young people.
The EMPOWER tracks are created in triplet pattern, and feature emerging rapper Devin Cheff and youth singer Heaven White. Multi-platinum producer and composer Q. Worthy co-wrote the lyrics with BJ Gray and Devin Cheff, and produced the project. Accompanying the tracks are eight videos, animated by Adam “Mylo the Cat” Schleichkorn with original character and background designs by Cartuna. We also designed a downloadable, easy-to-print EMPOWER poster for health care providers, educators, or others who work with young people. The poster reflects the key message of the tracks and directs viewers to our Learning Studio to learn more.