California will provide free emergency albuterol inhalers and spacers to public and charter schools statewide for use by students experiencing asthma-related breathing emergencies under a new initiative announced this week by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
The School Albuterol Access Initiative, launched through the state's CalRx program in partnership with Amneal Pharmaceuticals, will provide schools with an annual emergency supply of two 90-microgram-per-actuation albuterol metered-dose inhalers and 25 single-use disposable spacers, which help deliver albuterol more effectively, at no cost for three years.
The program is expected to reach about 10,000 California schools and will begin next week, according to the governor's office.
"No child should be left gasping for air because their school doesn't have an inhaler," Newsom said in a statement. "This initiative lets us all breathe easier by equipping schools with the right tools to respond to potentially life-threatening asthma attacks. Many kids may have undiagnosed or poorly managed asthma — with free CalRx albuterol, every kid can focus in class and have fun on the playground without fear."
About 1 million children in California have asthma, and asthma is one of the leading causes of school absenteeism, according to the governor's office. Among children with active asthma symptoms, about one-third miss at least a week of school each year.
Albuterol, commonly known as a rescue inhaler, relaxes the smooth muscle in the airways and is used to treat sudden breathing problems. The medication can help prevent asthma emergencies and emergency room visits.
The 2025-26 state budget included funding to provide public and charter schools serving students from transitional kindergarten through 12th grade with the free emergency supply for three years.
Private schools will be able to purchase the inhalers for $9.50 each, a savings of up to 80% compared with the cash price, and 25-pack boxes of spacers for $93.75, a 35% savings. Sales tax and shipping fees will apply. All schools also will be able to purchase additional refills at the same CalRx price.
The American Lung Association praised the governor and the state's initiative, calling it an important step to protect students' health.
"For a child experiencing an asthma emergency, immediate access to albuterol can be lifesaving, and this initiative will help ensure that a student's ability to breathe safely at school does not depend on where they live or their family's ability to afford medication," said Kesa Bruce, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. "Expanding access to this essential treatment will make California schools safer, reduce health disparities and give students with asthma greater security to learn, play and thrive."
Eric Ball, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics California, said the initiative gives schools an important additional tool to help keep children safe.
"As a pediatrician and the parent of a child with asthma, I know how frightening it can be when a child needs an inhaler at school and doesn't have one available," Ball said. "No parent should have to worry that a preventable gap in access could become an emergency."
The California School Nurses Organization will provide asthma and albuterol stock training guidelines to public school districts at no cost. The training includes techniques for recognizing symptoms of respiratory distress, protocols for the emergency use of an albuterol inhaler in an educational setting, and follow-up procedures for calling 911 and notifying parents or guardians.
Private schools can access the training for $45 for California School Nurses Organization members and $200 for nonmembers.
An albuterol standing order signed by Dr. Erica Pan, director and state public health officer for the California Department of Public Health, allows schools to obtain the medication without an individual physician's prescription.
California transitional kindergarten through 12th-grade schools, school districts, county offices of education, charter schools, and private schools can use the standing order by completing an online application.
Schools can apply for the albuterol standing order through the California Department of Public Health's website or by emailing [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Does your school have albuterol? California now provides it free