Lieutenant Governor Gregory R. Francis will launch an asthma awareness program, Helping Virgin Islanders Breathe Easier (H.V.I.B.E.), at a press conference scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2008.  The press conference will be held in the Rotunda conference room of the Lt. Governor’s office at 18 Kongens Gade, Charlotte Amalie.  Lt. Governor Francis will be joined by Health Commissioner Vivian Fludd, Human Services Commissioner Chris Finch and other health professionals and organizations to discuss the impact of asthma on the Virgin Islands.

Lieutenant Governor Francis hopes to raise awareness about the impact of asthma on the community.  “Asthma is not just a disease that affects children,” Francis states.  “It affects the entire community when asthma sufferers are unable to go to school or work, and cannot enjoy their overall quality of life. Breathing is something we should not take for granted.”

H.V.I.B.E. is the local component of a multi-state public health initiative of the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association called Helping America Breathe Easier.  The campaign aims to engage doctors, parents, schools and health departments.   Lt. Governor Francis and H.V.I.B.E. partners will announce a series of events to support the asthma awareness campaign at the press conference.

For more information contact the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at 774-2991 extension 4110.