California schools to get emergency albuterol inhalers free for three years
SALINAS, Calif. —
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday an expansion of CalRx that will provide free life-saving inhalers to California schools.
California is partnering with Amneal Pharmaceuticals to launch the School Albuterol Access Initiative, which will provide public and charter schools with emergency albuterol inhalers and spacers at no cost for three years.
The initiative will begin next week.
“No child should be left gasping for air because their school doesn’t have an inhaler. This initiative lets us all breathe easier by equipping schools with the right tools to respond to potentially life-threatening asthma attacks. Many kids may have undiagnosed or poorly managed asthma — with free CalRx albuterol, every kid can focus in class and have fun on the playground without fear,” Newsom said.
Schools will receive two albuterol inhalers and 25 disposable spacers each year, along with access to training on recognizing respiratory distress and using the medication. Private schools will be able to purchase the products at discounted prices. All schools will also be able to purchase additional refills at the CalRx price.
The state says about 1 million children in California have asthma, making quick access to rescue medication an important tool for reducing medical emergencies and missed school days.
“To support implementation, CalRx® is partnering with the California School Nurses Organization (CSNO) to provide asthma and stock albuterol training guidelines to public school districts at no cost,” read Newsom’s announcement.
A statewide albuterol standing order signed by California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Erica Pan eliminates the need for schools to obtain an individual physician’s prescription.
TK-12 schools, school districts, county offices of education, charter schools and private schools can use the standing order by completing an online application through CDPH.