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OUR PROGRAM

The Stock Inhaler for Schools Program

         Increasing access to quick-relief medication for children at school

In the United States, approximately, 8.1% of school-aged children have asthma (CDC, 2022).

Children with asthma experience chronic respiratory symptoms that make it difficult for them to breathe and participate in regular childhood activities. Children spend more than 50% of their waking hours at school. It is very important that schools are equipped with tools to support asthma management. 

The Stock Inhaler for Schools Program provides schools with the necessary tools to ensure all students have access to emergency albuterol sulfate at school. Schools receive one (1) albuterol inhaler and  (10) Thayer LiteAire® valved-holding chambers (spacers). Spacers make it easier for medication to reach the lungs which also means less medication gets deposited in the mouth and throat. 

The inhaler can be used for multiple people as long as each person uses a different spacer. 

Thanks to funding from Mercy C.A.R.E.S., the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program is free for all participating Arizona schools during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school year.

History

The Stock Inhaler for Schools Program was developed by a stakeholder coalition between the University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center, Banner University Medical Center Tucson, & Thayer Medical Corporation after passage of Arizona H.B. 2208, “Stock Inhalers for Schools” in March 2017. 

The program began in Pima County schools during the 2017-18 school year and has expanded throughout Arizona. 

University of Arizona, in partnership with the Arizona Asthma Coalition, was awarded  a grant from Mercy C.A.R.E.S. to fully support, operationalize and expand the 2023-2024 Stock Inhaler for Schools Program.

As of Fall 2023, about 650 schools across Arizona are enrolled in the program.

What is Arizona HB 2208 "Stock Inhalers for Schools"?

In 2018, Arizona House Bill 2208, “Stock Inhalers for Schools” was passed in Arizona which allows schools to procure, stock, and administer albuterol sulfate to any child experiencing respiratory distress.

HB 2208 indemnifies schools, school personnel, nurses, medical authorities, and dispensing pharmacists from civil liability when administering albuterol sulfate in good faith to students experiencing respiratory distress.

What does this law mean for schools? Albuterol can be safely given by trained personnel to any student who experiences respiratory distress while at school or at a school-sanctioned event.                                                                                        Dr. Lynn Gerald presenting in front of the Arizona State Legislature.

About the Coalition

As a nonprofit partnership since 1996, AAC has worked together with concerned stakeholders including public health, environmental quality, managed care, education, individual physicians and nurses, hospitals, foundations, families and other colleagues.

Contact

azasthmacoalition@gmail.com
480-447-6978

Arizona Asthma Coalition

Attn: Andrew Arthur, MD

839 W. Congress St.

Tucson, AZ 85745


Copyright © 2018. Arizona Asthma Coalition.


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