The Tufts University School of Medicine has presented the parent company of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maine an award for its proactive stance toward asthma, Anthem announced in a press release this month.

The “Managed Care and Asthma Initiative Project Award” recognizes the parent firm, Anthem Insurance Cos. Of Indiana, for its asthma-related initiatives around the country, including Maine, where its subsidiary is the largest private health insurer operating in the state.

Anthem has sponsored seminars for patients and doctors, supplied nebulizers to primary care physician offices, created a registry for patients at risk of developing asthma and developed tools and systems to help schools identify children with asthma and help them manage it.

Anthem said its “Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Asthma Project” also has supported anti-smoking legislation in Maine. Smoke is considered a trigger of asthma. Among those insured by Anthem, the number with smoke-free areas in their homes has gone from 83 percent in 2000 to 90 percent in 2001.

In an asthma attack, the immune system identifies a substance such as smoke or animal dander as a threat. Though the two items themselves may pose little danger to the body, the system senses a significant enemy and unleashes its strongest weapons. This reaction can cause restricted airways.

Tufts University did not issue its own press release on the award, a spokeswoman said. Spokespeople contacted for this article did not get back to the newspaper with additional information.

NEWS reporter Michael O’D. Moore contributed to this report.