California officials announced on August 20 that the state government will provide inhalers to all schools. This measure has been funded in the latest state budget by the legislative body.
Over the next three years, each public school will receive 2 metered-dose inhalers and 25 disposable inhalers annually. These inhalers contain albuterol, also known as a rescue inhaler, which relaxes the muscles surrounding the airways and is used to treat sudden breathing difficulties.
Private schools can purchase inhalers at a discounted price, with each priced at $9.50 and a box of 25 disposable inhalers at $93.75. This means a maximum reduction of 80% for inhalers and a 35% discount for a pack of 25.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated in a release that this initiative equips schools with the necessary tools to address potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.
Kesa Bruce, Advocacy Director of the American Lung Association, commended the initiative. In a statement, she expressed that immediate access to albuterol could save the lives of children experiencing asthma emergencies, regardless of their family’s ability to afford medication costs. The statement emphasized that expanding the coverage of this vital treatment will make California schools safer, reduce health disparities, and allow students with asthma to learn, play, and grow up with peace of mind.
According to state government data, approximately 1 million children in California have asthma, with about one-third experiencing symptoms that limit their activities, resulting in missing at least one week of school each year.
Dr. Erica Pan, a public health official in California, signed an order that eliminated the requirement for schools to obtain a doctor’s prescription to provide inhalers to students.
Amneal Pharmaceuticals, an inhaler manufacturer in the U.S., will collaborate with California to implement this initiative.
Officials mentioned that if funding is disrupted after three years, the system established by Amneal will continue to operate, allowing schools to directly order relevant products from the company.
This inhaler initiative is the third measure launched under the “CalRx” program. The first measure enables pharmacies and individuals to obtain insulin injection pens at lower prices, while the second measure allows the public to purchase naloxone nasal spray at a discounted rate.
As part of the inhaler initiative, the California School Nurses Organization and CalRx will provide free training guides on asthma and inhalers. The training will cover identifying symptoms of respiratory distress that may require the use of inhalers, as well as the procedures for calling 911 and informing parents.
Private schools are responsible for covering the training costs.