Stock inhaler for schools program overview

In the United States, approximately, 8.1% of school-aged children have asthma (CDC, 2022). Children with asthma experience chronic respiratory symptoms that make it difficult for them to breathe and participate in regular childhood activities. Because children spend more than 50% of their waking hours at school, it is important to have access to albuterol sulfate (a life-saving rescue medication) while at school.

In March 2017, Arizona House Bill 2208 “Stock Inhalers for Schools”, which allows schools to (1) procure, stock and administer albuterol sulfate to any student experiencing respiratory distress regardless of previously known asthma, and (2) indemnifies schools, trained personnel, dispensing pharmacists and medical authorities from civil liability when used in good faith, was enacted into law.

What does this law mean for schools?

Albuterol can be safely given by trained personnel to any individual who experiences respiratory distress while at school or at a school-sanctioned event.

The Stock Inhaler for Schools Program provides schools with the necessary tools to ensure all students have access to emergency albuterol sulfate at school. Each year, participating schools receive one (1) albuterol inhaler and (10) Thayer LiteAire® valved-holding chambers (spacers). Spacers help medication reach the lungs more effectively by reducing the amount that settles in the mouth and throat. In the school setting, the spacer is what makes an inhaler a “stock” inhaler, since the inhaler can be shared but each student uses their own individual spacer.

Since 2022, Mercy C.A.R.E.S. has generously supported the Stock Inhaler for Schools (SIFS) Program for all K–12 schools in Arizona. The program is now transitioning to a sustainability phase for previously participating schools. Schools that have not yet implemented the program are invited to join the Stock Albuterol for Every (SAFE) School Program, a 5-year research study funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Both programs offer the same intervention; however, the SAFE School Program allows us to formally evaluate its implementation and impact.

About the university of arizona SAFE School Program

The University of Arizona invites schools to participate in the SAFE School Program. The research initiative will evaluate three implementation strategies originally developed by partnering county health departments. These strategies reflect the same processes in use since 2017. Participating schools will receive a comprehensive implementation toolkit, access to a web-based training curriculum, template resources, and ongoing support. Schools will also be provided with medication and supplies, including one 200-dose albuterol sulfate inhaler and ten (10) Thayer LiteAire® valved-holding chambers (spacers). Program participation is free.

Schools in Arizona can participate in the SAFE School Program if:

• Your school did not participate in the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program last year (2024–25 school year) OR
• Your staff at your school did not participate in the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program last year (2024–25 school year) OR
• Your school has never participated in the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program

Schools That Have Previously Implemented the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program

Schools with staff who implemented the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program during the last school year (2024-25) are not eligible to participate in the University of Arizona SAFE School Program. However, if the school participated in the Stock Inhaler for Schools Program during the 2024-25 school year, and the school has new health staff for this school year (2025–26), the school may be eligible.