Community Health Worker

Governor Deal signed into law State Bill 126 (SB126) which authorizes schools  to stock levalbuterol/albuterol and provides immunity for trained staff to administer the lifesaving medication to a student believed in good faith be experiencing respiratory distress, regardless of whether the student has a prescription for albuterol/levalbuterol.  This authorization and protections under the law will enhance the ability of school nurses and properly trained personnel to implement comprehensive protocols for responding to asthma emergencies while protecting all students experiencing respiratory distress in school settings.    Announcement of the new law was covered by local CBS news affiliate featuring Jon Ramsey and Dr. Traci Bridges who authored the bill.

To view news clip click here: http://www.cbs46.com/story/28995737/statewide-medication-bill-crafted-by-south-georgians

Bill: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20152016/SB/126 

More info:

Francesca Lopez, MSPH, AE-C, Program Manager

Georgia Asthma Control Program

Adolescent and School Health

Chronic Disease Prevention Section

Georgia Department of Public Health

2 Peachtree Street, NW

16th floor

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Phone: 404-651-7324

Fax: 770-357-9696

Mobile: 404-719-1448

Email: francesca.lopez@dph.ga.gov

Asthma, a lung disease, affects over 25 million people living in the United States, including 1 in 11 children. It causes 3 in 5 people living with asthma to limit their physical activity or miss days at school and work. Asthma is also expensive, costing the nation $56 billion each year.

On World Asthma Day (the first Tuesday of May) and throughout May, people with asthma and organizations dedicated to asthma control and education join together to increase awareness about asthma and improve the lives of all people with asthma.

This toolkit features information for people with asthma, schools, public health practitioners, and others grouped in one place for Asthma Awareness Month use. Use the Asthma Awareness Toolkit to raise awareness today!