Statewide Efforts

Empowering Ohio Asthma

Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and adolescents in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. On average, in a classroom of 30 children, about 3 are likely to have asthma. Asthma cannot be cured but it can be controlled, which will lead to a better quality of life. The Ohio Department of Health Asthma Program provides support to Ohio’s school age children with asthma to keep their asthma under control to be fully active, reduce asthma related absenteeism and to improve the environmental health of school facilities to create asthma-friendly schools. The Ohio Department of Health Asthma Program concentrates efforts to expand programmatic strategies to target high-risk populations and targets strategies in priority counties. The targeted counties have been identified as priority due to the child emergency department and hospitalization rate for asthma greater than the overall rate for Ohio of 83.5 visits per 10,000 residents. These counties are (2021) Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Erie, Franklin, Hamilton, Lorain, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Summit, (2022) Champaign, Clark, Greene, Lake, Perry, Trumbull, (Healthy People 2030) Allen, Auglaize, Butler, Clinton, Medina, Portage, Preble, Sandusky, Seneca, Stark, Tuscarawas.

Asthma School Supports

The Ohio Department of Health Asthma Program will utilize a comprehensive approach and implement a school-based asthma management program to achieve the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s six strategies for schools and districts to consider when addressing asthma within a coordinated school health program. The following strategies can be effective whether implemented by an entire district or just one school.

• Establish management and support systems for asthma-friendly schools.
• Provide appropriate school health and mental health services for students with asthma.
• Provide asthma education and awareness programs for students and school staff.
• Provide a safe and healthy school environment to reduce asthma triggers.
• Provide safe, enjoyable physical education and activity opportunities for students with asthma.
• Coordinate school, family, and community efforts to better manage asthma symptoms and reduce school absences among students with asthma.

• Managing Asthma: A Guide for Schools - The National Institute of Health has action items for the management of asthma, roles and responsibilities for school personnel, and tools for asthma management and connection with the community.
• School-Based Asthma Management Program SAMPRO^TM – American Academy of Allergy & Immunology provides information websites and resources for school nurses, education administrators, clinicians, or healthcare administrators who are interested in implementing the School-based Asthma Management Program at their school or organization.
  • The School Based Allergy, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management Program (SAMPRO) Comprehensive Asthma Toolkit.
  • Email asthma@odh.ohio.gov to request a translated version of the SAMPRO forms.
• Strategies for Addressing Asthma in Schools – Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a comprehensive approach to school health. The model centers on youth and coordinates policy, processes, and practice. Asthma management is based on the NAEPP EPR-3 Guidelines.
• Additional Resources.

Asthma School Support will provide supports to students to address one or more of the following needs of students with Asthma:

• Asthma Management System.
• Student Health.
• Health Opportunity Services and Referrals.
• Asthma Education.
• Linking Students to Medical Care.
• Improving Indoor Air Quality.
• Polices Supporting Asthma Management in Schools.
• Establish management and support systems for asthma-friendly schools.

Schools Support Initiatives 

• Akron Children's Hospital: Akron Public Schools.
• Health Partners of Western Ohio: Toledo Public Schools.
• Catholic Diocese of Columbus: Dioceses of Columbus.
• Southern Hills Career & Technical served: Adams County, Brown County, Clermont County, Highland County.
• Toledo Lucas County Health Department: Springfield Local Schools.
• Twix N Between: Glass City Academy, Lucas County

School Based Health Centers

School-based Health Centers provide comprehensive health services in school buildings where students spend significant amounts of time. This innovative approach is accomplished through schools and local healthcare partnerships and is based on the belief that a student’s physical, mental and emotional needs must be met for them to learn and thrive. According to the Ohio School-Based Health Alliance, programming and services that may be offered through school-based health centers can include:

• Preventive care, including annual physicals and immunizations;
• Acute illness;
• Mental health and behavioral health services and supports;
• Oral health and vision services; and
• Chronic disease management.
• The Ohio Department of Health School Health Program

Asthma is a leading chronic illness among school-age children and one of the leading causes of school absenteeism. Schools with asthma-friendly policies and coordinating services among health care providers, school personnel and families support students with asthma by providing a healthy learning environment. Students with asthma have unique care needs. Asthma is not curable, but it is controllable with proper management.

National Asthma Education and Prevention Program’s Expert Panel Report 3: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma (NAEPP EPR-3) are guidelines for providing high-quality asthma care. Schools play an essential part of a student managing their asthma through a well-coordinated asthma management program.

How schools provide quality care for students who have asthma

• Prepared to handle asthma emergencies.
• Create an environment with fewer asthma triggers.
• Promote education and partnerships that support good asthma control.

Asthma Home Assessment Project (AHAP)

Hospital (Dayton & Cincinnati) Projects funded from 2020-2024

• BREATHE is available through Dayton Children’s Home Care. This program consists of education, a home assessment, and equipment and supplies if needed (pillows, mattress covers and vacuum cleaners) that help reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack.
• For more information or to schedule, please call Belinda Huffman, BS, RRT-CPFT, RCP, at 937-641-3266 or Leora Langdon, RN, CPNP, at 937-641-5582.
• To learn more about Dayton BREATHE program please visit their website.
• Dayton Children’s Hospital Power point.
• Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Power point.

Asthma Home Assessment

The Ohio Department of Health's Asthma Home Assessment Project (AHAP) is dedicated to reducing hospitalizations and improving the quality of life for children with asthma. The primary objective is to address asthma management comprehensively through home-based treatment, providing vital care and support to children with asthma and their caregivers. This project supports Ohio families of children with special health care needs, specifically targeting those with poorly controlled asthma.

The project focuses on families whose children have been hospitalized or visited the emergency department due to asthma-related issues. These families receive community-based, individualized asthma management education, emphasizing the home environment and identifying asthma triggers. By delivering these tailored interventions, the project aims to improve overall wellness, prevent further hospitalizations, and help children learn to better manage their health condition. Through this initiative, the Ohio Department of Health ensures that children with asthma receive the necessary support to thrive both at home and in their communities.