Dr. Luis Aguirre outlines Montgomery County’s free Spanish-language virtual asthma program for caregivers

Dr. Luis Aguirre, of the Iniciativa Latina de Salud of Montgomery County, described a county-funded, Spanish-language asthma-management program aimed at caregivers of children ages 4–11 and said it will begin with two groups on Sept. 22 and Sept. 24, 2026. "No tiene ningún costo para los papás o para las mamás," he said, emphasizing that the program is offered at no charge to participants.

The program, Dr. Aguirre said, has operated in the county for more than 20 years and has been adapted for virtual delivery to expand access. Sessions are organized as seven one-hour virtual meetings held from 7 to 8 p.m., with small group breakouts of about four to five people for hands-on demonstration and individualized accompaniment. Dr. Aguirre described an added coaching component in which caregivers complete four coaching sessions to develop a personal plan to manage a child’s asthma.

Host Marcela Villagrán highlighted the program’s cultural tailoring and accessibility for Spanish-speaking families, and Dr. Aguirre credited the county for funding the initiative. He noted the program received recognition two years ago from the Asociación de Condados de los Estados Unidos for the virtual model. To register, Dr. Aguirre said interested caregivers should text the word "asma" to the program phone numbers; staff then send follow-up questions and complete enrollment.