Fact Check: Memphis Declared an Asthma Capital Due to High Emergency Visits
What We Know
Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized as a significant area for asthma-related health issues, particularly among children. According to a study published in 2017, the Memphis metropolitan area experienced a notable increase in emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations for childhood asthma from 2005 to 2015. The study reported that the frequency of ED visits rose from 4 per 1,000 children in 2005 to 16 per 1,000 children in 2015, indicating a substantial increase in asthma-related healthcare utilization in the region (Oyana et al., 2017).
In 2015, Memphis was named the "Asthma Capital" of the United States by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, a title it had previously held in 2009 and 2014. This designation reflects the city's high rates of asthma prevalence and related emergency visits (Oyana et al., 2017). Furthermore, Shelby County, which encompasses Memphis, was reported to have some of the highest asthma ED and hospitalization rates in the country during the years 2008 to 2012 (Oyana et al., 2017).
Analysis
The claim that Memphis has been declared an asthma capital due to high emergency visits is supported by credible research and data. The designation by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation is based on various factors, including the rates of asthma prevalence, the frequency of emergency visits, and hospitalizations. The 2017 study provides a comprehensive analysis of asthma trends in the Memphis area, highlighting significant increases in both ED visits and hospitalizations among children, particularly among African American populations (Oyana et al., 2017).
The reliability of the source is strong, as it is a peer-reviewed study published in a reputable journal, and the authors are affiliated with the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. The data used in the study was derived from a large-scale longitudinal electronic health record database, which adds to the credibility of the findings. Additionally, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation is a well-respected organization in the field of asthma and allergy research, further validating the claim about Memphis's status as an asthma capital.
While the claim is well-supported, it is important to note that asthma prevalence and emergency visits can be influenced by various factors, including socioeconomic status, environmental conditions, and healthcare access. However, the evidence presented in the study and the recognition from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation are sufficient to substantiate the claim that Memphis has been declared an asthma capital due to high emergency visits.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Memphis has been declared an asthma capital due to high emergency visits is true. The designation is backed by significant increases in asthma-related emergency department visits and hospitalizations, particularly among children in the area. The evidence from peer-reviewed research and the recognition from a reputable health organization supports this conclusion.
Sources
- Oyana, T. J., Podila, P., Minso, J., Slawo, W., & Cormier, S. (2017). Spatiotemporal patterns of childhood asthma hospitalization and utilization in Memphis Metropolitan Area from 2005 to 2015. Retrieved from PMC6039973
- City of Memphis. (n.d.). Home - The City of Memphis. Retrieved from City of Memphis
- City of Memphis Employee Salaries. (2025). Retrieved from City of Memphis Employee Salaries
- City Council Meeting Agenda - The City of Memphis. (2025). Retrieved from City Council Meeting Agenda
- Careers - The City of Memphis. (n.d.). Retrieved from Careers
- Chief of Police Services - The City of Memphis. (n.d.). Retrieved from Chief of Police Services
- Inicio - La ciudad de Memphis. (n.d.). Retrieved from Inicio
- Asthma-Related Emergency Department Visits Age-Adjusted Rates, 2019. (n.d.). Retrieved from TDH Health Data
