(KGTV) – California has become the first state in the U.S. to provide free asthma inhalers to all public schools.
According to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, 10,000 public and charter schools will receive inhalers at no cost over the next three years.
Schools are expected to begin receiving the inhalers next week.
About one million children in California have asthma, and Newsom said the initiative will help keep students safe, healthy and in the classroom.
“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,” the governor said in a statement.
The state is partnering with the California School Nurses Organization to train school staff to recognize asthma symptoms and properly use inhalers.
