ANCHORAGE - The Alaska Asthma Coalition kicked-off its statewide media campaign Monday. (10/8)

The campaign is the first of it's kind in Anchorage and is led by the American Lung Association. It aims to educate Alaskans on the importance of managing asthma.

The coalition unveiled a 30-second television spot that will run from October this year to February 2013.

Officials say asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases among Alaskan adults and children and causes missed work, school and emergency room visits that are largely preventable.

Officials say the ad campaign is not only for asthma awareness, but for people with asthma or for their kids with asthma in order to find ways to manage it.

"We know that if people are controlling their asthma, and are aware of what their triggers are, we'll have kids missing school less we'll have people attending work more and we'll really lower the healthcare costs in Alaska," said Kameron Perez-Verdia, American Lung Association.

"You can develop asthma at any time, and you need to be aware of the effects of asthma, what can trigger asthma, and how to combat asthma," said Ian Clark, a 7th grade student in Anchorage.

According to the American Lung Association, 1 in 10 Alaskans currently have asthma.