March 25, 2024 – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has authorized schools in the state to maintain undesignated asthma inhalers for emergency use, facilitating access to critical medication for asthma attacks.
Under a standing order signed by IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, trained personnel in schools can now administer quick-relief medication, such as albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), to students experiencing severe respiratory distress, regardless of their medical history.
“As a pediatrician, I have witnessed how important access to albuterol inhalers can be to save lives. Inhalers and medications like albuterol are essential treatments to treat severe asthma attacks in students diagnosed with asthma but also in individuals who may not even know they have it. The Governor and General Assembly’s leadership has led to statewide funding for schools to have these undesignated inhalers for their students. This standing order now removes the last hurdle. Illinois schools now have all the tools to obtain, stock, and administer this life-saving medication.” said Director Vohra.
This initiative, part of the RESCUE Illinois Schools program, aims to enhance access to life-saving medication and is backed by a $2.4 million allocation in the FY23 Illinois state budget. Over 3,100 public schools in Illinois have benefited from this program, receiving medication, equipment, and training.
The IDPH standing order remains effective until February 2025, subject to annual review and updates.
