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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 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.
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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.
Why Implement the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program?
- Provide students with access to life-saving rescue medication. While all children should have access to quick relief medication at school, less than 14% of children nationally have reliable access to this life-saving drug. In rare cases, the unavailability of this medication can lead to death. (Butler S.M. et al., 2020)
- Decrease school absenteeism. During the 2017-18 Pima County Program, 84% (774) of asthmatic events resulted in the student returning to class instead of being sent home or transported via the Emergency Medical System.
- Accessible. The Stock Inhaler for Schools Program web-based training is online and can be completed in less than an hour.
- Low-cost. During the 2023-24 school year, a grant from Mercy C.A.R.E.S is fully supporting the program. Without funding, the estimated cost of program supplies and administrative support is $114 a year.