program history

In 2012–13, the University of Arizona Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center (A2DRC) conducted its first pilot study at the Sunnyside Unified School District, located in Tucson, Arizona. A stock albuterol inhaler, which is a single albuterol sulfate inhaler and supply of valved-holding chambers, that can be used by any student, was placed in each of the 17 schools in the district. Results demonstrated a 20% reduction in asthma-related 9-1-1 calls and a 40% reduction in asthma-related Emergency Medical Services (EMS) transports.

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 in March 2017.

Following the passage of HB 2208, a collaborative partnership was established between the A2DRC, University of Arizona Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Arizona Asthma Coalition, Banner University Medical Center - Tucson, and Thayer Medical Corporation©. The University of Arizona then expanded the program to 229 charter, private/parochial, and public schools across Pima County during the 2017–18 school year.

In 2018, the program expanded to Maricopa County through the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH). Banner Health Foundation provided funding to sustain the program.

From 2023–25, Mercy C.A.R.E.S jointly funded the A2DRC and the Arizona Asthma Coalition to fully support, operationalize, and expand the Arizona Stock Inhaler for Schools Program with goals of reaching underserved communities in rural counties and tribal areas who have never implemented the program. During this time, the program expanded to approximately 800 schools in Arizona.

In Fall 2024, Dr. Ashley A. Lowe with the University of Arizona was awarded a 5-year NIH grant (The Stock Albuterol for Every School "SAFE" Program) to study three (3) distinct Stock Inhaler for Schools implementation strategies. Four-hundred (400) schools (grades K-12) in Arizona will be randomized into the study over the course of three (3) years.