We urge Congress to support the School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act (H.R. 2468) to put important protections in place for children with asthma and allergies.

This bill would encourage states to put into place:

• Methods to identify all students who have allergies or asthma
• Individual student action plans
• School nurses or trained staff on site during operating hours to give medicines for both asthma and allergies
• Education for school staff
• Efforts to reduce environmental triggers
• Support for families managing asthma and allergies
  
  

House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) and Representative Dr. Phil Roe (R-TN) introduced the bill on May 2, 2019, in the U.S. House of Representatives. If this act becomes law, states that require public schools to have asthma and allergy management programs would get preference for certain grants. Schools will have a better chance of receiving grants if they have a comprehensive school-based asthma and allergy management program.

The hope is that this bill will motivate states to pass these laws so they can get better access to grant money. These measures will help schools take better care of students with asthma and allergies. It also raises awareness that asthma needs treatment just like allergies. It will result in healthier and more productive students.

AAFA staff and other advocates spent May 7, 2019, on Capitol Hill talking to Congress about the importance of school-based asthma management programs and other protections for people with asthma and allergies. Pictured above is Jenna Riemenschneider, AAFA's Special Projects Manager (third from right), with other advocates.

AAFA's Senior Community Director, Kathy Przywara, along with other advocates spoke with California senators and representatives about protections for people with asthma and allergies. Left to right: Lorene Alba; Dr. Warner Carr; Kathy Przywara; Ethan Van Hess, legislative assistant to Congressman Mark DeSaulnier; and Sharon Wong.