Fifteen California schools and one school district have received Achievements in Respiratory (AIR) Health Awards for taking steps to reduce asthma attacks and triggers that often cause asthma attacks. The schools are receiving the awards today from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), as part of National Healthy Schools Day.
"I congratulate these schools and recognize the successful efforts they have made to promote the health and well-being of their students by addressing indoor air quality, a key environmental issue,” said CDPH Director Dr. Mark Horton. “Each and every student deserves a healthy and safe environment in which to learn.”
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood and a leading cause of school absences. Asthma triggers include mold, pesticides, dust, high-pollen landscaping, cleaning agents or air fresheners, animal dander and droppings, and exposure to outdoor air contaminants.
To be eligible for the award, schools needed to institute air quality improvement plans that address asthma-causing cleaning supplies, pesticide use, classroom pets, and maintenance problems. Additionally, schools needed to demonstrate enforcement of state regulations to reduce bus idling near schools and demonstrate enforcement of smoking bans on school property.
Hamilton Elementary School and Washington Elementary School in the Hanford Elementary School District, as well as David Reese Elementary School in the Elk Grove Unified School District, received the highest ratings. Novato Unified School District received a special award for its accomplishments on a district-wide level.
The schools distinguished themselves by exceeding the award criteria. The schools involved students and staff to identify and reduce asthma triggers on school grounds.
Award of Achievement:
Las Juntas Elementary School – Martinez Unified School District
Roosevelt Elementary School – Hanford Elementary School District
Cordelia Hills Elementary School – Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
Wawona Middle School – Fresno Unified School District
Suisun Valley School – Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
Ahwahnee Middle School – Frenso Unified School District
Award of Excellence
Elliot Ranch Elementary – Elk Grove Unified School District
Oakland High School – Oakland Unified School District
Holy Family High School College Preparatory – Los Angeles Archdiocese
Wolf Canyon Elementary – Chula Vista Elementary School District
Lee Richmond Elementary School – Hanford Elementary School District
Joseph M. Simas School – Hanford Elementary School District
Distinguished Achievement Award:
Hamilton Elementary School – Hanford Elementary School District
David Reese Elementary – Elk Grove Unified School District
Washington Elementary – Hanford Elementary School District
School District Award:
Novato Unified School District
Schools that participated in the competition were nominated by asthma coalitions, school nurses and facilities managers, community-based organizations, PTA’s, and others from across the state. By acknowledging the efforts of outstanding schools, CDPH seeks to encourage other schools to take steps to reduce asthma attacks and triggers at their schools.