The Honor Roll spotlights 15 states with the best public policies for people with asthma, food allergies, anaphylaxis and related allergic diseases in U.S. schools.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - 09/04/2019 - Today, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) published its 2019 State Honor Roll. AAFA ranks the states that have the best public policies for people with asthma, allergies, anaphylaxis and related allergic diseases in the U.S. elementary, middle and high schools. To be included in the Honor Roll, states must meet or exceed 18 of the 23 core policy measures. This year, 15 states achieved Honor Roll status with Washington, D.C. joining Connecticut in meeting all 23 of the standards.
The comprehensive State Honor Roll report provides an overview and comparison of state-level school-related asthma and allergy public policies and highlights areas where educators, families and legislators can improve policies and practices. This year’s State Honor Roll report also spotlights three areas of concern: a current federal bill about managing asthma and allergies in school, youth vaping and indoor air quality in schools.
“Sending kids back to school can be stressful, especially if your child has asthma or allergies,” said Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of AAFA. “Every year, September brings an epidemic of asthma attacks. School buildings can be full of asthma and allergy triggers. Combined with the start of cold and flu season, these factors are a perfect storm that impact vulnerable students and staff. With proper school policies to promote more asthma and allergy friendly environments, we can prevent allergic reactions and asthma attacks. We hope more states will qualify for AAFA’s State Honor Roll so that all students have the opportunity to learn in a healthy environment.”
In the U.S., one out of 12 children has asthma and one out of 13 children has food allergies, suggesting that schools need to be fully equipped to manage these chronic conditions. There are a few ways that schools and states can continue to improve including: stocking quick-relief asthma medicine in schools; increasing the number of school nurses; and developing programs to improve air quality.
The full report can be viewed at www.StateHonorRoll.org. The 2019 State Honor Roll list includes:
• Connecticut (meets all 23 Core Policies and has made the list annually since 2008)
• Delaware
• District of Columbia (meets all 23 Core Policies)
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Massachusetts (on the list since 2008)
• Mississippi
• New Jersey (on the list since 2008)
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Rhode Island (on the list since 2008)
• Vermont (on the list since 2008)
• Washington (on the list since 2008)
• West Virginia
About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions through research, education, advocacy and support. AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical information and community-based services. Through its Kids With Food Allergies division, AAFA offers the most extensive online support community for families raising children with food allergies. AAFA also helps consumers identify healthier products for the home and indoor environment through the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program. For more information, visit www.aafa.org, www.kidswithfoodallergies.org and www.aafa.org/certified.
