Leslie Goldman, MA, Joanne Eichel, MA, and Sejal Gandhi, MA. Office of School Health Programs, The New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-822-7265, lgoldman@nyam.org

Asthma is one of the most frequently occurring chronic health conditions in children and the number one health-related cause of school absences. Asthma is disproportionately prevalent in the inner city and has a significant impact on school performance. Children with asthma often miss 10 or more school days a year and children with severe asthma may miss up to 30 days per year. The New York Academy of Medicine Office of School Health Programs is implementing the School-wide Asthma Education Program in New York City Public School Pilot Sites (K-6) to complement current efforts in asthma education in New York City. The program involves curriculum development and training for administrators, teachers, nurses, counselors, parents, custodians and food staff, among others to advance school-wide asthma management in the public elementary schools. Professional development is provided for the teams on using the Creating an Asthma-Safe School Guidebook developed by the Academy. The school teams learn about asthma and develop a specific plan of action to contribute to asthma management at their school. Professional development is provided for teachers to help them implement asthma education in the classroom. Consultation and technical assistance is provided to help schools implement the program. The New York Academy of Medicine Office of School Health Programs has a demonstrated history of providing a wide array of comprehensive health education programs to New York City public schools. The Academy maintains a coalition of public and private funders to support comprehensive health education programs in New York City public schools.

Learning Objectives: