Schools should be places where children can safely learn and grow. But for students with food allergies, asthma, or other allergic conditions, school environments can present unique challenges. From a lack of school nurses to respond to emergencies to a lack of emergency medicines on hand, there’s still work to be done to ensure every child with food allergies has a safe environment for learning.
To address these challenges, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is proud to release the 2025 State Honor Roll of Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools. This report identifies the states leading the way in creating healthy environments for students with asthma and allergies. (Kids with Food Allergies is a division of AAFA.)
What Is AAFA’s State Honor Roll Report?
The State Honor Roll evaluates and recognizes state laws and policies that address the needs of children with asthma and allergies in schools. The report focuses on 27 core policies critical to student health. States that meet at least 22 of these standards earn a place on the State Honor Roll and states that meet 17-21 standards receive honorable mention.
2025 State Honor Roll and Honorable Mention States
We celebrate Connecticut and the District of Columbia for making the State Honor Roll and their outstanding commitment to protecting students with asthma and allergies. These states are setting an example by putting policies in place that prioritize children’s health and learning environments.
We also recognize the following honorable mention states for making major strides in improving policies that support the health of students with asthma and allergies: California, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Washington.
How Can Schools Improve?
The report highlights 5 key ways states can improve their school policies:
- Expand emergency medicine stocking laws.
States must ensure schools have stock emergency medicines, such as quick-relief asthma inhalers and easy-to-use epinephrine options. They should also have trained staff to give the medicines. - Ensure full-time school nurses.
Every school needs at least 1 full-time nurse to manage chronic conditions and give immediate care during emergencies. - Adopt comprehensive indoor air quality (IAQ) plans.
Clean indoor air policies, including proper HVAC maintenance and mold prevention, are essential for student health. - Strengthen tobacco and vaping policies.
Banning smoking and vaping on all school grounds and functions protects children with asthma and allergies from harmful exposures. - Transition to zero-emission school buses.
Electric school buses reduce air pollution and help prevent asthma flare-ups caused by diesel emissions.
Why Do These Policies Matter?
Food allergies affect about 1 in 17 children in the U.S. A severe allergic reaction can occur in seconds. Quick access to epinephrine and trained staff is necessary. But gaps in school policies can put students at risk of anaphylaxis and other emergencies.
The right policies – such as stocking emergency medicines and having allergy management plans – can save lives, reduce anxiety for families, and help children focus on learning.
Join the Effort to Advocate for Healthier Schools
AAFA’s State Honor Roll is more than a report – it’s a tool for change. By advocating for these essential policies, you can help create healthy learning environments for all students.
“Children with asthma and allergies face unique challenges that can affect their ability to learn and thrive,” said Kenneth Mendez, AAFA President and CEO. “Policies that improve school environments can reduce missed school days, prevent emergencies, and ensure children have the opportunity to succeed. We applaud the 2025 Honor Roll states and hope other states follow their lead.”
Visit StateHonorRoll.org to explore the full report and learn how you can advocate for stronger policies in your state. Let’s work together to ensure every child has a healthy environment to learn and grow.
“Asthma continues to be a leading cause of missed days of school,” said AAFA’s President and CEO, Kenneth Mendez. “This unfortunate reality highlights the urgent need for states to adopt policies that support students with asthma. This report should serve as a call to action for states to advance meaningful policy change in 2025 and beyond.”
Acknowledgments
The 2025 State Honor Roll™ Report is an independent research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible by funding support from Amgen, DBV, Kaléo, Pfizer, PhRMA, Sanofi, Regeneron, and Viatris.
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