Open Airways got a boost from the insurer Argus Group for the fifth consecutive year, with $11,500 towards its spacers programme.

Spacers attach to the inhalers for asthma medication, improving their efficiency. The charity is committed to distributing more than 1,000 spacers annually.

The insurer’s contributions now stand at $42,360 over five years.

Along with providing spacers, the Argus donation helps Open Airways to give one-on-one consultations on the correct use of the devices.

The programme has flourished, with consultations doubling last year — nearly 500 sessions.

Meetings are often carried out in patients’ homes, where the charity’s nurses can also spot potential asthma triggers.

The distribution of spacers has been additionally helped with the implementation of the student asthma registry.

Now in its third year, the registry was created in partnership involving Open Airways, the Department of Health, the Ministry of Education and the Bermuda Hospitals Board Asthma Education Centre.

It helps give targeted support for students most in need.

Mary Ellen Ewles, the director of operations at Open Airways, said: “Thanks to the unwavering support from the Argus Group and our anonymous donor, we continue to distribute spacers free of charge to anyone in need.”

This includes spacers with masks for children aged 4 and below.

Studies have shown that the device improves drug delivery to the lungs by up to 70 per cent.

Peter Lozier, the chief executive of Argus Americas, said the programme’s outcomes were in accord with company values — improving health and promoting equal opportunity.

He added: “Our support is not just a financial contribution. It represents a deep commitment to the health and prosperity of Bermuda's residents.”

• More information on the spacer programme can be found by calling Open Airways on 536-6060