Connecticut Named to Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 2012 Honor Roll

Connecticut was named to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s State Honor Roll of Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools for 2012 for adhering to AAFA’s core policy standards.

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.

Asthma is the most common chronic cause of school absences, accounting for 10.5 million missed school days each year. More than 9 million children have asthma, 10 million have other allergic diseases like nasal and skin allergies, and 3 million have food allergies putting them at risk for anaphylaxis—the most severe and deadly allergic reaction. Every day, asthma symptoms and allergic reactions strike in the classroom, gym, cafeteria, and on the bus or playground.

That’s why the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) assesses state-level school policies regarding asthma and allergies in an annual report, the State Honor Roll™ of Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools. The report recognizes progress where it is happening and provides a blueprint for advocates and policymakers to improve policies nationwide.

Connecticut, 1 of 7 states and District of Columbia on AAFA’s 2012 list of honorees, was included for its leadership on school health policies for public elementary, middle, and high schools. The other six states on the list include Indiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont, and 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 D.C. 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?”

About the Study

For the State Honor Roll™ report, AAFA assessed three categories of policies: Medication & Treatment policies, Awareness policies, and School Environment policies. Within these categories AAFA research and policy experts, in consultation with leaders in the fields of medicine, education, and advocacy, identified 18 core policy standards relating to asthma and allergies in schools. Policy areas included school nurse-to-student ratios, laws allowing students to carry and administer their asthma and anaphylaxis medications, indoor air quality policies for school buildings, smoking bans and cessation programs, and more.

The full report, methodology, tables, detailed state profiles, as well as back-to-school tips and tools, are available at 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.