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Breathing Easy: Schools Achieve Asthma-Safe Status
11 May
Summary
- Schools are recognized for maximizing health services and asthma education.
- Asthma is a leading cause of student absenteeism, impacting learning.
- 24 Colorado school districts and all 28 Thompson schools earned recognition.
Schools across Colorado are being lauded for their commitment to student respiratory health, particularly concerning asthma management. This initiative, a collaboration between school districts and healthcare institutions like Children's Hospital Colorado, ensures that students with asthma have a safe environment to learn and thrive.
Asthma is identified as the foremost chronic health condition leading to student absenteeism. Without proper management and necessary resources like inhalers, affected students struggle to remain in class. School nurses play a pivotal role in administering medications and educating families about potential asthma evaluations, as highlighted by the experience at West Middle School.
To achieve asthma-safe recognition, schools must demonstrate excellence in delivering health services, providing comprehensive asthma education for staff, students, and families, maintaining healthy school environments, and promoting physical activity. This year, 24 Colorado school districts, including all 28 schools within the Thompson School District, have earned this important designation.
