Nationwide, 25 million people have asthma (including 5.5 million children), and 9 million more suffer from chronic bronchitis. In parallel, ubiquitous infections such as COVID-19 and RSV can cause severe respiratory disease. Motivated by the high prevalence of respiratory diseases and the urgent need to translate evidence-based preventative care and treatments to our patients, the Center for Respiratory Health (CRH) brings research teams, clinicians, and patients together to address those most pressing issues.

The CRH is a multi-disciplinary, highly collaborative center that focuses on programmatic development for federally-funded respiratory research. The immediate goal of the CRH is to facilitate translational and implementation science research that optimizes respiratory health for UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville’s patients and community. The long-term goal of the CRH is to foster regionally and nationally recognized respiratory research that optimizes health for all members of our community and beyond.

CRH is housed in the Institute for Population Health within the Office of Research Affairs (ORA). The CRH partners with key resource-focused entities in ORA such as the Center for Data Solutions and Clinical Research Office. Currently, the CRH portfolio includes $4.8 million in total NIH funding.

Current CRH Research Highlights

Maribel Ciampitti, Founder and CEO of Novis Products, LLC, and Dr. Alicia Vose, Assistant Professor of Neurology, have received a prestigious NIH Small Business Technology Transfer Grant to develop a respiratory muscle training device for individuals suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a debilitating, chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of Americans and negatively impacts quality of life and increases healthcare costs. The grant will support the development and usability testing of the RMT Complete device, laying the foundation for future clinical trials of the device's efficacy in improving COPD symptoms.

Jennifer Fishe, M.D., Assistant Dean for Research, and NIH-funded pediatric asthma researcher is currently serving as CRH’s interim director while a search for a full-time director is ongoing.

For more information, please email Jennifer.Fishe@jax.ufl.edu.

CRH Seminar Videos

Vent Free and Fabulous - September 12, 2024, Dr. Alicia Vose and Dr. Barbara Smith

Video clips:

• Inspiratory Strength Training Study at UF COMJ - Dr. Barbara Smith
• Respiratory Muscle Training Device - NIH Grant at UF COMJ
• The Future of Rehabilitation Research at UF COMJ - Dr. Alicia Vose
• View entire presentation

Using Technology to Improve Outcomes in Pediatric Asthma - October 15, 2024, David Fedele, Ph.D

Video clips:

• AIM2ACT mHealth clinical trial – part 1 (background)
• AIM2ACT mHealth clinical trial – part 2 (design)
• AIM2ACT mHealth clinical trial – Part 3 (results)
• A digital approach to personalized asthma medicine
• Future directions in mHealth – the ReACT trial
• View full video

Implementation of Asthma Management Programs to Reduce Disparities in Children - November 12, 2024, Michelle Eakin, PhD

Video clips:

• Full video
• Breathmobile Trial
• Partnership with Baltimore City Head Start
• Asthma Basic Care in the Home Setting
• What made a difference?

Reaching Those Who Need it Most: Health Services Research and the Care of Children with Asthma - December 10, 2024, Heather De Keyser MD, MSCS

Video clips:

• Full video
• What is adherence?
• Adherence levels and adherence by age
• Treatment Phenotypes