AAAAI's School Asthma and Allergy Bill Passes the House of Representatives

MILWAUKEE, Sept. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act (H.R. 2468), a bill supported by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) that is based on the AAAAI's School-based Asthma Management Program (SAMPRO™), has passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote and will now move on to the Senate for consideration. This bill would encourage schools receiving asthma-related grants to have trained personnel and a comprehensive school-based allergies and asthma management program. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Ranking Member Greg Walden (R-OR), House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and Phil Roe, MD (R-TN) spoke in support of the bill.

H.R. 2468, which is sponsored by Majority Leader Hoyer and Rep. Roe, MD, was joined by more than 40 co-sponsors. It is widely supported by additional healthcare and patient organizations, including the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology; the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America; the Allergy and Asthma Network; and the National Association of School Nurses.

"As schools reopen and students return to the classroom, the School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act (H.R. 2468) is important to encourage and support states in making sure schools have in place a comprehensive school-based allergies and asthma management program," said AAAAI President Mary Beth Fasano, MD, MSPH, FAAAAI.

H.R. 2468 was developed in conjunction with the AAAAI in support of SAMPRO™. Launched by the AAAAI in 2016, SAMPRO™ details the elements necessary for the education of children, families, clinicians, and school-based personnel based on a "circle of support" that enhances multidirectional communication and promotes better care for children with asthma within the school setting.

"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. Parents should have peace of mind that their children's schools are equipped to handle an asthma attack or an allergic reaction. This legislation will help by encouraging more schools around the country to have the proper training and planning in place," said Majority Leader Hoyer upon the passing of the bill.

"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," added Rep. Roe, MD.

The AAAAI will work with the bill sponsors to urge the Senate to pass the legislation before the end of the year so the bill can become law.

You can learn more about SAMPRO™ on the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website, aaaai.org.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) represents allergists, asthma specialists, clinical immunologists, allied health professionals and others with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases. Established in 1943, the AAAAI has more than 7,100 members in the United States, Canada and 72 other countries. The AAAAI's Find an Allergist/Immunologist service is a trusted resource to help you find a specialist close to home.

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SOURCE The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology