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Asthma Friendly Schools Program. How to manage asthma in all Australian schools

On World Asthma Day, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, urges all Australian school communities to become 'asthma friendly' to decrease the risk of severe asthma attacks and even asthma deaths amongst school students.

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7 May 2002
KP41/02

Asthma Friendly Schools Program. How to manage asthma in all Australian schools

On World Asthma Day, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, urges all Australian school communities to become 'asthma friendly' to decrease the risk of severe asthma attacks and even asthma deaths amongst school students.

This Government has provided $1.2 million to support this initiative over two years.

"The Asthma Friendly Schools Program is a voluntary project to assist entire school communities in providing an asthma friendly environment for students and staff," Senator Patterson said. "The Programme equips teachers, students and parents to recognise and deal with an asthma emergency. It provides practical advice which can save lives."

The Asthma Friendly Schools Program is a major Government initiative run by Asthma Australia and the State/Territory Asthma Foundations. The Program will see teachers, students and parents in over 2,500 primary and secondary schools in Australia learn about the best ways to manage their asthma by 2003 years.

"There is sufficient flexibility in the Asthma Friendly Schools Program to support locally delivered programs," Senator Patterson said

Potential benefits of the Asthma Friendly Schools Program are:

  • Reduced school absenteeism;
  • A more supportive and understanding environment for students with asthma;
  • Reduced risk of an attack because students are not too embarrassed to use their puffer in front of their peers.

Media Contact: Office of Senator Kay Patterson: Mr Randal Markey - 03 9657 9577
Department of Health and Aged Care: Ms Robyn Hall - 02 6289 1254