The RAMP Schools Committee brings together school staff and asthma advocates from across the region to collectively identify regional activities that will support local efforts to address asthma in schools. A comprehensive approach includes:

• Educating students and staff. Students, parents and school staff have a better understanding of asthma basics, asthma management, emergency response and environmental controls.
• Establishing management and support systems for children with asthma. Policies and procedures in the schools are consistent with the best clinical practices for managing asthma in children.
• Improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Schools provide physical environments that minimize the presence of those factors known to trigger disabling, and sometimes life-threatening, asthma attacks. Often, creating a healthier environment requires only simple, low-cost changes, like turning on a ventilation switch or removing dusty furniture.

In April, 2005, the RAMP Schools Committee and California Breathing co-hosted a statewide training on Asthma Management Programs for Schools. Click here to view a full agenda and click below to view the powerpoint presentations from the event.
--- Strategies for Addressing for Asthma Within a Coordinated School Health Program, Bindi Gandhi
--- Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative, Jeanette Donald
--- Oakland Kicks Asthma, Adam Davis and Joan Edelstein
--- Los Angeles Unified School District's Asthma Programs, Susan LaCombe
--- Identifying Students with Asthma in Schools, Bindi Gandhi

In January, 2005, the RAMP Schools Committee hosted its second annual Round Table Discussion on Addressing Asthma in Schools. Click here to view a complete description and notes.

In March, 2004, the RAMP Schools Committee hosted its first round table discussion addressing all of these issues. You can view notes from this meeting, as well as identified resources by clicking here. .

On September 20, 2004, California Breathing and the Community Action to Fight Asthma Initiative, with support from RAMP and the Sonoma County Asthma Coalition, hosted a hands-on workshop on indoor air quality in schools. To view the flyer, click here.

There are many resources available to assist asthma advocates in addressing asthma in schools. Many of them can be found at the www.calasthma.org website by clicking here and then searching under "school".

Additionally, the RAMP Schools Committee is happy to share a presentation made to superintendents and one made to PTA members. These presentations describe a comprehensive approach to addressing asthma in schools and provide specific recommendations.