The good news is New York Giant wide receiver Amani Toomer, Health Plus, the managed care organization, and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT)  are doing something to combat the deadly disease, and they've enlisted 12 of our city's most talented young artists to help them with the task.

For three years now Health Plus has been holding a city-wide Asthma Poster Contest, where elementary school students from throughout the city are asked to create posters that serve to educate on Asthma.  This year's theme was the connection between "Asthma and Air Quality". 

Altogether some 1,500 posters were entered into the contest, but only the top twelve made the cut.  The winners were recognized during Health Plus's 3rd Annual Asthma Poster Contest awards ceremony held June 3rd at the prestigious National Arts Club, the Gramercy Park landmark. 

Football star Amani Toomer was a magnetic keynote speaker for the ceremonies, galvanizing the audience, children and adults alike.  Encouraging the children to continue to work to bring asthma awareness to a new level, he revealed to the audience, many of whom were asthmatic, that he too suffers from the condition.

"This program is important because it raises awareness about asthma, helping to keep people from slipping through the cracks, as I did for so long," says Toomer.  "Health Plus is doing a great job, because they support efforts like this and they provide healthcare to those in need."

The posters were chosen for their creativity, beauty, and informational message.  Students depicted a broad range of messages in their art pertaining to asthma.  Some focused on the disease’s triggers, such as pollution, smoke, cars, and roaches.  Other posters had messages encouraging overcoming the disease.

The 12 young artists' posters will also be featured in next year's DOT calendar.  Christian Diaz of P.S. 165 in Manhattan, whose poster was selected as number one, will have the further honor of gracing the calendar's cover.  Additionally, the young artists were presented plaques and gift certificates from American Express and Blockbuster at the event.  First place received a gift certificate for $150; second place for $100; third place for $50; and all honorable mentions received one for $25.

The judges for the contest were representatives from Health Plus, the DOT, the Department of Education, the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Lutheran Medical Center, Empire State Development Corporation, Charles B. Wang Community Health Center, and the Brooklyn Borough President's Office.

"These posters have insight and energy," says O. Aldon James, Jr., President of the National Arts Club.  "It's exciting that Health Plus and posters can work together to make this happen."

Poet and actor Caridad de la Luz, who emceed the event, stated, "This is really emotional for me because I'm from the Bronx and I've seen the effects of asthma.  It's empowering to see people making a statement for change and I am proud to be a part of it."

"Health Plus is proud to put this event together and partner with Amani and the DOT to promote combating and managing asthma," says Tom Early, Executive Director for Health Plus.  "This effort will not only encourage young artists, but it will educate many people about a disease that affects this city drastically.

"Health Plus knows that many people who suffer from asthma just don't know how to get it under control and manage it by avoiding trigger factors," says Early.  "This calendar and these posters will serve as a medium to educate those people and it will encourage them to take part in activities they would otherwise miss out on.  No child should to miss their summer fun because of asthma."