 Open Airways For Schools is a nationwide program of the American Lung Association locally supported by GlaxoSmithKline, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City Council and the NYC Department of Education. The American Lung Association of the City of New York prepares school nurses to teach the Open Airways For Schools curriculum in elementary schools in all five boroughs.
OAS is geared for eight to eleven year old students. During the program, students are in a unique and supportive environment surrounded by peers who understand the frightening effects of asthma. Nurses are provided with all the necessary materials to conduct the six, forty-minute lessons for the students. Through colorful comics, art and physical activities such as relaxation exercises the program teaches children how to recognize their symptoms and manage their asthma. With this knowledge the children are empowered to prevent asthma attacks and emergency room visits.
Thanks to the support of school nurses and health educators, the Open Airways For Schools program takes place in over 800 New York City public and non-public schools. On average, OAS graduates miss two fewer days of school following the program, due to an improved understanding of their disease. According to a recent evaluation, OAS graduates increased their asthma management skills by 17 percent. Over 37,000 students have graduated from the program since its introduction in NYC in 1996.
Download a free Asthma Action Plan for your child and school in English or Spanish.
For more information about the Open Airways program, please contact Liz D'Imperio at 212-889-3370, ext. 32.
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