Project Summary:
In Wisconsin, one in 12 children has asthma. Asthma is a leading cause of school absenteeism and can significantly impact a student's performance and development. Even with regular doctor visits, proper medication use, and an “asthma-friendly” home, students are exposed to various asthma triggers in the school environment. School nurses face numerous competing demands, including travel between multiple schools, and often require assistance in supporting students with asthma. This project aims to provide schools with the following easy-to-use tools, along with education on how to use them, to promote asthma control: 1) Outdoor air sensors: Air pollution can cause and worsen asthma. Low-cost air sensors mounted on schools give schools and communities access to air quality data, and this data equips them to take action to protect their lung health. 2) Air purifiers: Studies of air cleaners placed in classrooms have shown a reduction of pathogens in the air by 2/3. This is vital because viruses are a major asthma trigger. The air cleaners also help reduce triggers like allergens in the air. 3) Disposable spacers: Recent legislation allows schools to stock asthma medication for use if someone is experiencing respiratory distress. If this medication is administered without using a spacer, some medicine ends up in the mouth, throat, and stomach. When a spacer is used, more medicine is delivered to the lungs, increasing its effectiveness. Schools face many challenges (e.g., limited budgets and staff, aging buildings), and we cannot continue to leave school nurses on an island; we need to build them a system of support that includes outside organizations, communities, and effective tools. This project will benefit school children in our target regions (Brown, Rock, Menominee, Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha Counties) who are disparately impacted by asthma. This opportunity will allow us to work in sync with the Department of Health Services’ Wisconsin Asthma Program to advance health equity.
Community Partners: Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services, Wisconsin Asthma Coalition