Rep. Roe and Majority Leader Hoyer Applaud Passage of the Bipartisan School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act

Statement

Today, Reps. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) released the following statements after H.R. 2468, the School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act, passed the House. This legislation would help ensure that students with asthma have assistance at school to manage their chronic disease and can excel in an asthma-friendly environment.

"I'm proud to work across the aisle with my friend and colleague, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, on this important issue," said Rep. Roe. "In the U.S. there are about six million children under 18 who have been diagnosed with asthma. It is critical our schools are prepared to understand and address this condition to maintain student safety. The School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act will help school personnel and parents ensure students with asthma and other allergies adequately manage their condition so they can focus on their education with peace of mind."

"America's students ought to be able to go to school and learn without having to worry that school nurses and staff won't be prepared to help in an emergency relating to asthma or allergies," Leader Hoyer said. "Parents should have peace of mind that their children's schools are equipped to handle an asthma attack or an allergic reaction. I'm pleased H.R. 2468 passed the House today and I thank my friend Dr. Roe for his commitment to this important issue. Our legislation will encourage more schools around the country to have the proper training and planning in place to help our students."

H.R. 2468 is endorsed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI). AAAAI President Dr. Mary Beth Fasano said, "As schools reopen and students return to the classroom, the School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act is important to encourage and support States in making sure schools have in place a comprehensive school-based allergies and asthma management program."

Note: The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services recommend that schools have comprehensive asthma management programs; however, most schools do not have such programs in place. The School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Plan Act would encourage states to implement these programs, including education for school staff to identify and reduce asthma environmental triggers, so that schools are better equipped to help students with asthma manage their disease. This legislation is endorsed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and the Allergy and Asthma Network.

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