The Merck Childhood Asthma Network, Inc., (MCAN), is a separately incorporated, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization established to address the complex and growing problem of pediatric asthma. MCAN is funded by the Merck Company Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck & Co., Inc. Led by Floyd Malveaux, MD, PhD, a nationally recognized expert in asthma and allergic diseases and former dean of the Howard University College of Medicine, MCAN is specifically focused on enhancing access to quality asthma care and management for children in the United States.

In November 2005, MCAN awarded its first grants to childhood asthma programs in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia and Puerto Rico. These programs were chosen through a competitive application process, and all involve a consortium of community and individual partners. Each targets communities with a high prevalence of pediatric asthma and has potential for national replication.