NewsFox 5 San Diego & KUSI — Local NewsAugust 20, 2026San Diego
California provides free rescue inhalers and spacers to 10,000 public and charter schools
California is launching the School Albuterol Access Initiative to supply free albuterol rescue inhalers and spacers to 10,000 public and charter schools. The program removes the need for individual student prescriptions through a standing order and includes mandatory training for school staff.
Read the full story at Fox 5 San Diego & KUSI — Local NewsWhy It Matters
This program changes how asthma emergencies are managed in schools by ensuring immediate access to medication for students without requiring a personal prescription on file.
Key Facts
- The School Albuterol Access Initiative will supply free albuterol rescue inhalers and spacers to 10,000 public and charter schools.
- The program is authorized for a three-year duration.
- A standing order is being implemented to eliminate the requirement for individual student prescriptions for these inhalers.
- School staff will receive specialized training on how to use the equipment.
- The primary goal of the initiative is to prevent life-threatening asthma emergencies in school settings.
Who's Mentioned
organizationCalifornia School Nurses Organization“Partner providing asthma and albuterol training”organizationAmneal Pharmaceuticals“Partner in the School Albuterol Access Initiative”personAnne Kelsey“Regional Asthma Management & Prevention Director”personErica Pan“CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer who signed the standing order”personEric Ball“American Academy of Pediatrics, California Chair”otherSchool Albuterol Access Initiative“The specific state program providing the inhalers”personGavin Newsom“Governor of California who announced the initiative”other10,000“Number of public and charter schools receiving the equipment”organizationCalRx“State initiative facilitating the supply of medication”