Asthma Inhalers Now Banned in Some Schools
Zero-tolerance policies are generally a stupid idea, and ones against illicit drugs may be keeping children in American schools a dangerous distance from their asthma inhalers and epinephrine pens.
Although there are provisions in all but two states for children to have the potentially life-saving medications on their persons at all times, some schools are prohibiting the medications due to policies enacted to keep recreational drugs out of schools. Maureen George is an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in Philadelphia, and George explains that inconsistent policy surrounding asthma inhalers and epi pens could be harmful to children:
“Every school district handles this a little bit different, and for those who don’t allow children to carry their medications, I think may be due to a lack of knowledge. School officials may not appreciate the risk that having epinephrine pens and inhalers in a locked office, instead of with the child, can pose.”
George continues:
“Fewer than 200 children die each year from asthma in the U.S. That number is low, but those deaths are preventable. And it’s a double tragedy when you lose a child to a preventable condition. And, some of those deaths happen in schools.”
George recommends checking with schools to ensure there is not a policy in place prohibiting the possession of asthma inhalers, and possibly enlisting the school nurse to advocate for a child with asthma or severe allergies.
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Kim LaCapria Kim LaCapria is a writer and editor based in New York. A longtime information junkie, she began blogging full-time at the Inquisitr in 2009. Prior to that, she worked as a marketing assistant in the cosmetics and skincare industry. In addition to her writing for fortytwotimes, she also writes for Medacity and The Inquisitr. Kim is also a contributor for SocialNewsDaily, Indyposted, and TotallyMoney. In the past, she contributed to Lipstick and Luxury and managed social media accounts and blogs for several small and mid-sized businesses.
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