Dealing with asthma and allergies in the school setting, once rare, is now common. But most states don't have core policies in place to protect millions of children who each spend up to eight hours per day at school.
That's why AAFA assesses state-level school policies regarding asthma and allergies in this annual report, which recognizes progress where it is happening and provides a blueprint for advocates and policymakers to improve policies nationwide.
AAFA's 2012 list of honorees includes two new places: Indiana and the District of Columbia (DC). All of the places named to the Honor Roll are included for their leadership on school health policies for public elementary, middle and high schools. The Honor Roll list includes (in alphabetical order):
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Indiana
• Massachusetts
• New Jersey
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington
AAFA identified 18 "core policy standards" to assess states, and those having at least 15 of the 18 policies are named to the Honor Roll. Other states have progressed, enacting laws that are consistent with AAFA's core policy standards, but have not done enough to qualify for AAFA's Honor Roll. The full report at www.StateHonorRoll.org presents the methodology, findings and performance of all 50 states and DC on core standards, "extra credit" indicators and several noteworthy new laws and programs. This year's report also features "spotlight" reports on emerging issues in food allergy and anaphylaxis, including: "Schools Face Challenges in Treating Anaphylaxis," and "Is Your Community EMS Able to Handle Anaphylaxis?"
The full report, methodology, tables, detailed state profiles, as well as back-to-school tips and tools, are available at www.StateHonorRoll.org. The 2012 report is made possible by a grant from Mylan Specialty, Genentech and individual donations to AAFA from patients, families and supporters.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions through education, advocacy and research. For more information contact Liana Burns, Manager of Policy and Programs, at 202-466-7643 ext. 252 or liana@aafa.org
