Asthma affects more than 27 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). While there is no cure, effective management, education, and access to care can help individuals live well with asthma.
🌬️ Breathe Easier: Understanding & Controlling Asthma
An asthma attack can be scary—tight chest, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Triggers include allergies (like pollen or pet dander), exercise, and workplace irritants.
💡 Why Asthma Management Matters
If left unmanaged, asthma can cause long-term damage to your airways and lead to serious complications, including life-threatening attacks like anaphylaxis. That’s why it’s essential to work with a healthcare provider to treat and control your asthma effectively.
🎥 Mercy Video Series: Discussions on Asthma
Presented by Dr. Jeremy Katcher, MD, Mercy Clinic Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:
- What is Asthma and How Is It Treated?
- Asthma in Kids – How It’s Identified & Treated
📺 Watch the video series here
📚 Free Asthma Education Courses
🧠 AAFA – ASTHMA Care for Adults
A free, self-paced course to help adults and caregivers manage asthma, recognize symptoms, use action plans, and understand medication.
🔗 Learn more
🫁 American Lung Association Programs
One-on-one education and support for asthma, COPD, radon, and smoking cessation.
📞 Call 800-252-2959 (Mon–Fri, 10 AM–7 PM CT)
🌐 Over 250 languages available through interpreter support.
🏥 Magers Health & Wellness Center
Comprehensive asthma care for MSU employees and dependents (age 6+).
✔️ Reduced co-pays and waived deductibles for MSU health plan members
✔️ On-site pharmacy for prescriptions from any U.S.-licensed provider
Appointments:
📞 417-836-4000 | Magers Health and Wellness
Prescription Refills:
💊 Online | 📞 417-836-4050 | In-person at Magers Pharmacy
💬 Mercy On Call & Nurse On Call Services
📞 Nurse On Call
For MSU-insured employees or dependents without a Mercy PCP, this free after-hours service connects you with a registered nurse who can:
✔️ Listen to your symptoms
✔️ Assess your condition
✔️ Provide treatment guidance
✔️ Help determine next steps for care
Contact Nurse On Call:
📞 417-841-5566
For MSU employees with a Mercy Primary Care Provider, please call your provider’s office after hours for Mercy On Call assistance.
🏥 Mercy Virtual & Express Care Options
-
Mercy Virtual Care: See a provider anytime, anywhere
-
Mercy-GoHealth Express Clinics: Fast, walk-in treatment for minor illness or flare-ups
🌐 Explore Mercy Virtual & Express Care
💳 Tip: Use Your Healthcare FSA to Help Manage Asthma Costs
Don’t forget—many asthma-related expenses are eligible for reimbursement through your Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), including items like:
- Prescription inhalers
- Nebulizer machines
- Peak flow meters
- Spacer devices
- Certain over-the-counter medications
Check out the full list of eligible items on the ASIFlex Eligible Expenses page.
📢 Stay Connected
✔️ Follow the HR Blog for benefits updates and tips
✔️ Follow the Employee Wellness Blog for health & wellness resources
Discover more from Human Resources
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.