Why Free Inhalers? Because COAL CARES.
Coal Cares™ is a brand-new initiative from BHP Billiton, one of
America’s proud family of coal companies, to reach out to American youngsters with
asthma and to help them keep their heads high in the face of those who would treat them
with less than full dignity. For kids who have no choice but to use an
inhaler, Coal Cares™ lets them inhale with pride.
Puff-Puff™ inhalers are available free to any family living within 200 miles of a
coal plant, and each inhaler comes with a $10 coupon towards the cost of the asthma
medication itself.
Welcome to Coal Cares™
At Coal Cares™, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of American families, particularly those impacted by coal production. Our initiative, sponsored by BHP Billiton, was created to provide free Puff-Puff™ inhalers to children living near coal plants who suffer from asthma. But we’re more than just a health initiative—we’re here to empower and support the families affected by coal industry proximity, offering services that go beyond just medical support.
Coal Cares™ is a brand-new initiative from BHP Billiton, one of America’s proud family of coal companies, to reach out to American youngsters with asthma and help them keep their heads high in the face of those who would treat them with less than full dignity. For kids who have no choice but to use an inhaler, Coal Cares™ lets them inhale with pride. Puff-Puff™ inhalers are available free to any family living within 200 miles of a coal plant, and each inhaler comes with a $10 coupon towards the cost of the asthma medication itself.
Beyond addressing the physical health challenges posed by coal exposure, our program partners with organizations to solve academic hurdles as well. While many students might search online to “do my homework for me” or “need help with homework,” this platform aims to solve more than just academic challenges through its service—it can help with write my homework assignments, providing a cheap and accessible way for asthmatic students to complete their studies safely. The combination of health and educational support ensures that children impacted by coal production can excel both physically and academically.
The Health Impacts of Coal Exposure
The health implications of living near a coal plant are real and significant. According to the Iowa Environmental Council and health partners, children living near coal plants have a 35% higher risk of experiencing asthma symptoms due to exposure to particulate matter and pollutants released by the burning of coal. These particles, such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, can lead to increased rates of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions in vulnerable populations.
Not only is asthma a physical burden, it also hinders an active, satisfying existence, especially for kids who wish to do things that cause symptoms. Puff-Puff™ inhalers are created for youngsters to be beautiful, entertaining, and empowering, not simply useful. We provide these inhalers free of charge to families who need them because we believe every child should be proud to manage their condition with dignity.
How Air Quality Affects Learning
The impact of asthma on children extends beyond physical health. In 2013 alone, children aged 5–17 with asthma missed 13.8 million school days due to respiratory complications. Living near a plant only increases the risk of such absences, making it more difficult for these children to keep up with their schoolwork and meet academic expectations.
Coal Cares™ understands that the well-being of children has a direct bearing on their academic performance. To make sure these kids don’t fall behind in school, we’re collaborating with educational platforms and giving them free inhalers. Students have access to a variety of internet resources that can aid them with their homework and writing assignments in a cheap and accessible way.
Dr. Michael Chang, a professor of environmental health, points out, “The pollutants from plants not only exacerbate health conditions but can create an environment where kids are more likely to miss school due to illness. Initiatives like Coal Cares™ are crucial in providing both medical and educational support to these children.”
Making Homework Accessible for Asthmatic Students
Not only can asthma make it difficult for children to go to school, but it also makes it difficult for them to study at home. Using traditional techniques for homework, such as using books and paper, might put children at risk of being exposed to dust and allergens, which can potentially worsen their asthma symptoms.
- Reduced exposure to dust
Digital educational platforms allow students to complete their homework online, eliminating the need to handle dusty textbooks and paper materials. - Accessibility
Students can access all of their schoolwork through a single device, reducing the risk of environmental triggers such as mold or dust mites.
According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of asthma-related absences from school dropped by 42% in schools that used digital homework tools. As a result of using online services, students not only keep up with their schoolwork but also protect their health.
Supporting Families Beyond Health
We are about more than just providing inhalers—we aim to support families in every aspect of their lives. Asthma can be a costly condition to manage, and families living near coal plants may face financial difficulties. That’s why, along with free Puff-Puff™ inhalers, we provide a $10 coupon for asthma medications, making it easier for families to afford the necessary treatment.
Future Commitments from Coal Cares™
Our goal going forward is to connect with more people and make sure that no kid who lives near a coal plant goes without the help they need. We aim to have a positive impact in people’s lives through various means, such as health support products like Puff-Puff™ inhalers and educational platforms that provide academic support.
Our long-term goals include:
- Expanding the Puff-Puff™ inhaler program to more families across the U.S.
- Increasing awareness about the risks of living near plants and how to manage asthma more effectively.
- Strengthening partnerships with health and education providers to offer a more comprehensive support system for families in need.
The Next Generation
The campaign is based on a simple belief: every child deserves to enjoy a healthy, full life. By offering the tools needed to manage both health and education, we are helping the future generation to breathe easier and succeed in all aspects of life.
Through partnerships with platforms, which provides affordable, effective academic support, we are ensuring that children with asthma can overcome the challenges they face both in and out of school. With the continued support of our communities, health experts, and educational institutions, Coal Cares™ will continue to make a meaningful difference—because Coal Cares™ for kids, their health, and their future.