American Lung Association of Arizona

School-Based Asthma Education

Asthma 101

Effective management of asthma at school can help promote a supportive learning environment. Asthma management may reduce disruption in the classroom, provide necessary support in an emergency, and encourage students to actively participate in all school activities. The Asthma 101 in-service program was developed to address these issues.

Asthma 101 is a one-hour educational program presented by trained health care professionals to school personnel providing information on:

The prevalence of asthma
Basic signs and symptoms of asthma
Common triggers found in the school environment
Basic management of an acute asthma episode
Asthma medications and delivery devices
Asthma management and monitoring tools

For more information, please call our office at (520) 323-1812

Open Airways for Schools

The American Lung Association of Arizona believes that Open Airways for Schools is a vital step in mobilizing community response to the needs of children with asthma, in particular those disadvantaged, minority children whose asthma often goes undetected or under-treated. The program teaches children, aged 8 – 11, how to take steps to prevent asthma episodes, recognize early signs of symptoms, carry out appropriate management steps, and discuss asthma–related problems with parents, medical professionals, teachers, and friends.

The American Lung Association of Arizona is committed to helping children with asthma in the elementary school setting through the Open Airways for Schools program by (1) empowering children with asthma to learn how to prevent asthma symptoms and emergencies, and (2) helping schools control the impact of asthma with community partnerships in asthma care. In this way, children with asthma can turn to adults both at school and at home to help them manage asthma and make it possible for them to perform better in school and lead healthier lives. When children feel better, they have a better chance of learning.

If you are interested in bringing Open Airways for Schools into your school, please download the Open Airways for Schools interest form and return it to the American Lung Association. If you have further questions, please call our office at (520) 323-1812.