School Personnel

Managing Asthma in the School Environment focuses on steps that schools can take to help children breathe easier. Students with uncontrolled asthma often miss more school and have poorer academic performance than healthy students. With the help of strong school management programs, students with asthma can have equally good school attendance. When asthma is well controlled, students are ready to learn. Because children spend most of their time in schools, day care facilities, or at home, it is important to reduce their exposure to environmental asthma triggers as much as possible in each of these environments.

The guide offers valuable information for all school staff, especially school nurses, teachers, and maintenance staff, on how to establish and evaluate an indoor air quality management program, develop an asthma management plan, and reduce environmental asthma triggers.

The mission of the Bayview Hunters Point Health and Environmental Resource Center is to promote the health & wellness of residents in low-income communities and to improve the environment where residents live & work.

• HERC staff conduct informational presentations at schools, health fairs, and community-based organizations regarding asthma.
• HERC offers free day camps for children ages 6-14 who have been diagnosed with asthma and want to learn more about managing their condition.   A licensed professional teaches the children asthma management techniques and ways to recognize triggers and symptoms. Other subjects are: asthma action plans, exercise, nutrition, and building self-esteem. Each camp serves approximately 10 children. Space is Limited - APPLICATIONS ARE PROCESSED ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS
• HERC works closely with Southeast Health Center and its staff to educate its clients on an as needed basis for fewer occurrences of asthma episodes. For more info, please call 415-401-6810.

This Asthma Action Plan, the Maine School Management Plan, is the only plan for students with asthma that has received statewide acceptance for use throughout Maine. A copy of the form can be kept in the patient's chart and sent to the school nurse or daycare provider.This form has been updated to reflect a new law that allows children to carry their inhalers and Epi-Pens in school.