The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) in conjunction with the Florida Asthma Coalition is inviting schools to participate in the Asthma Friendly School Recognition Program.  Schools participating in this Asthma Program, will develop and implement robust school-based asthma management programs that enable school personnel to help students with asthma manage their disease.  

“Public as well as private schools are encouraged to use the Asthma Friendly Program as a resource to be better equipped to manage students with asthma and provide a healthy environment for them,” said Dr. Kevin M. Sherin, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. “All schools can play a role in reducing student absenteeism due to asthma.”

Children with asthma experience more chronic absenteeism and visits to the emergency room than children who don’t have the disease.  Asthma is a chronic lung disease that can be managed effectively with proper treatment and management.  This program is constructed to assist school nurses, teachers and other staff members to be better prepared and able to provide a safe and healthy learning environment, reduce asthma triggers as well as provide safe and enjoyable physical education activity opportunities for students with asthma.

The schools are invited to participate in the Asthma Friendly School Recognition Program.  There are four different categories of recognition that can be achieved by the end of the school year; schools are able to earn Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum recognition. For more information on the requirements and for the 2015-2016 Asthma-Friendly Schools Application please visit http://floridaasthmacoalition.com/ .

This program is geared toward Title I elementary schools, but all elementary schools in Orange, Osceola, Polk, Volusia, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Brevard, and Indian River Counties are encouraged to participate. 

If you are interested in participating in this amazing program, please contact DOH-Orange Regional Asthma Coordinator, Ms. Annette Thomas at 407-858-1497 extension 2290, 407-553-8073 or by email at Annette.Thomas@flhealth.gov