FOR SCHOOLS

Addressing Asthma in New York State Schools 

In partnership with the New York State Department of Health, the American Lung Association’s Asthma Management in Schools Program provides information and resources to assist personnel to help students with asthma remain healthy, optimize learning, and participate fully in school. The Asthma Management in Schools Program takes an individualized and environmental approach to asthma management through adaptation of policies from the New York State Guide for Asthma Management in Schools.

Asthma Management Education Programs for Children

The Asthma Management in Schools Program offers a variety of asthma-self management education programs for children of all ages, with asthma. Program materials and training are offered free of charge through the grant – to learn more about implementing these programs, please contact the AMS team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 917-764-8480.

A Personalized Approach to Children’s Asthma Education  

The AMS team works closely with sites to curate a personalized plan of action based on the results of a needs assessment to ensure success and provides technical assistance to sustain successful partnership(s).

The needs assessment consists of a short evaluation to determine which programs best suit school’s needs, as well as identifies possible areas of improvement for asthma-friendly policies within the school. The needs assessment is based on the New York State Guide for Asthma Management in Schools which provides policy, protocol, and procedure recommendations to improve health outcomes of students with asthma.

Programs We Offer

Open Airways Program for Schools in New York State

Open Airways for Schools® (OAS) is a program that educates and empowers children ages 8 to 11 (grades 3-5) through a fun and interactive approach to asthma self-management.

OAS consists of six, 30-minute small group sessions, taught twice a week or one week apart. Each lesson incorporates group discussion, stories, games, and role-play to involve and engage students in the learning process and give them the skills and confidence to manage their asthma. The program teaches children with asthma how to detect the warning signs of asthma, avoid their triggers and make decisions about their health.

Kickin' Asthma

Kickin’ Asthma (KA) is an asthma self-management education program that empowers children through a fun and interactive approach. KA consists of four, 45-minute small group sessions taught on consecutive days or one week apart. This program is geared toward for children ages 11-16 (grades 6-10); and includes different learning techniques suitable for teenagers and highlights self-management practices, such as recognizing triggers and proper medication use.

Let's Take Control of Asthma Flipchart

The Asthma flipchart is a validated educational tool based on the asthma self-management education goals of the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program Guidelines. The flipchart is typically conducted with only 1-2 students at a time per facilitator; and utilizes a picture-only design which makes it easier for students to understand the information regardless of health literacy level. The side facing the student/patient is a picture-only format, and the side facing the educator/facilitator has a script which contains individually tailored information about asthma, asthma triggers, and what to do in case of an asthma emergency.

Program Benefits for Students

  • Students who participate in these programs receive:
  • Access to guidelines-based asthma self-management education
  • Tools to help manage asthma at home and in school  
  • Asthma Action Plans 
  • Education on asthma medication devices  
  • Valved-holding chamber for more effective medication deposition 

Asthma Friendly Schools starts with Staff  

School personnel, including administrators, school nurses, teachers, coaches, maintenance, and administrative staff should know the basics of asthma as well as what to do in case a student has an asthma attack. The American Lung Association's Asthma Basics program is a great resource to help make sure the adults in schools understand asthma and can also help prevent asthma emergencies.

The AMS team also offers an Asthma Basics Workshop to school personnel interested in improving their asthma knowledge. This workshop can easily be held during faculty meetings and is a great way to ensure that all staff are prepared in the case of an asthma emergency. To learn more or to host a workshop at your school, please contact the AMS team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 917-764-8480.