The Ohio asthma caucus, sponsored by Senator Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) was formed to provide a forum for legislators to learn about the state of asthma in Ohio. The special meetings for policy makers will also cover current asthma issues with the ultimate goal of facilitating positive change for Ohioans with asthma. The caucus meets every other month on Wednesdays in the Capital Building usually following the Healthcare Committee meetings, when legislators are in session.

Asthma caucus members in the Senate include: Capri Cafaro (D) Hubbard; Randy Gardner (R) Bowling Green; Eric Kearney (D) Cincinnati; Ray Miller (D) Columbus and Robert Schuler (R) Sycamore Township. In the House, caucus member include: Barbara Boyd (D) Cleveland Hts.; Jennifer Brady (D) Westlake; Michael DeBose (D) Cleveland; Tom Patton (R) Strongsville; Carol-Ann Schindel (R) Leroy Township; Michelle Schneider (R) Madeira and Chris Widener (R) Springfield.

The inaugural meeting of the asthma caucus meeting was held in March 2007. A breakfast for legislators was held on May 1, 2007 to celebrate World Asthma Day and to increase awareness about asthma and the Ohio Asthma Coalition.

Senator Kevin Coughlin		Address: Senate Building Room #137, First Floor Columbus, Ohio 43215 Telephone: 614/466-4823 Email: kcoughli@mailr.sen.state.oh.us Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls Current Term: Expires December 2010. Senate member since February 2001. Ineligible to run for another four-year term. Previous Elected Experience: State Representative (1997-2000) Occupation: Senator Education: B.A., Bowling Green State University; M.P.A., Bowling Green State University Committees: Energy and Public Utilities; Health, Human Services and Aging (Chair); Highways and Transportation; Ways and Means and Economic Development