Attack on Asthma Nebraska is a nonprofit organization partnering with the Nebraska Department of Education to assist schools with their implementation of the Emergency Response to Life-Threatening Asthma or Systemic Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis) protocol. Now mandated in Rule 59, the protocol was approved by the Nebraska State Board of Education in May 2003.

Asthma has reached epidemic proportions over the last 15 years, and is the most common chronic childhood disease. Nearly one in thirteen school-aged children have asthma, causing increased rates of school absenteeism and hospitalizations. Life-threatening allergic reactions are also becoming more common, resulting from exposure to certain foods, stinging insects, medications and latex rubber.

Through collaboration among physicians, nurses, pharmacists, public health professionals, school district administration and staff, parents, state/local agencies, and community health organizations, Attack on Asthma Nebraska will emphasize comprehensive asthma and allergy awareness, education and medical treatment. Nebraska’s 330,000 pre-K through 12th grade school children will be safe in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

No child should die at school from an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction.

The background of this breathing emergency protocol has been documented in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology March 2006 issue with the conclusion that this program should serve as a national model for other school-based programs for students with asthma and anaphylaxis.   Article    Editorial