A total of 221 schools at the early childhood, elementary, middle and high school levels have achieved Colorado Asthma-Friendly School accreditation. This new accreditation outlines each school’s commitment to comprehensive asthma management and student health during the 2025-2026 school year and connects them to a growing local network through the Colorado Comprehensive School-Centered Asthma Program (AsthmaCOMP), supported by Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado).
Asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic disease-related school absenteeism, affecting thousands of Colorado youth and families each year. Research also shows that asthma disproportionately affects Black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Alaska Native populations. In its first year, the Colorado Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative aims to recognize school districts for their collaborative efforts in creating safe environments where students can thrive.
A total of 24 Colorado school districts achieved accreditation this year, which is more than 10% of school districts statewide. From participating schools, 137 nurses were involved in the implementation of asthma-friendly practices, positively impacting more than 120,000 students. All 71 schools in Cherry Creek School District and 28 Thompson School District schools met the criteria required to receive accreditation, making them two of the most highly accredited Colorado school districts.
This first-year milestone is worthy of a statewide celebration that honors the many schools, nurses and community partners who have dedicated their time and effort to improving the health of their students. Children’s Colorado continues to focus on improving asthma outcomes within the walls of our hospitals and in the communities we serve, and this partnership with Colorado Schools is a testament to that.”
Melanie Gleason, physician assistant at Children’s Colorado and associate director of AsthmaComp
To earn the Colorado Asthma-Friendly School designation, schools were required to demonstrate implementation of four strategies. Depending on their level of implementation, each qualifying school received gold, silver, or bronze level accreditation.
- Maximize the delivery of school health services
- Create asthma education for staff, students and families
- Provide a healthy school environment
- Manage physical education and physical activity
“Earning Colorado Asthma Friendly Schools accreditation reflects the daily commitment schools make to keeping students healthy, supported and ready to learn,” said Christy Haas-Howard, school nurse asthma specialist. “When schools prioritize evidence-based asthma practices, students experience less disruption and stronger outcomes.”
In addition to creating an inclusive environment where children can learn and thrive, Colorado asthma-friendly schools offer a variety of benefits. These include stronger collaboration around asthma management and increased trust among parents and community members. Schools can complete and submit an online self-assessment by March 1, 2027 for 2026-2027 Colorado Asthma-Friendly School accreditation.
The Colorado Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative is part of the long-running AsthmaCOMP program, which is funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Cancer, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Disease Grant Program. The AsthmaComp program is led by Dr. Heather DeKeyser at the University of Colorado in collaboration with Children’s Colorado, the Colorado Department of Education, the Office of School Health Services, Action for Healthy Kids, and Environmental Protection Agency Region 8.
The AsthmaCOMP program provides a range of services in addition to the Colorado Asthma-Friendly Schools Recognition Program, including the presence of asthma health navigators in more than 50 schools in the Aurora, Denver, Brighton, Englewood, Mapleton and Sheridan districts, with plans to expand to Jefferson County. Navigators provide asthma education and coordination to students and their families, while assisting with barriers to care. Through its partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, the program provides advanced training to school nurses and staff to promote best practices for managing asthma in school.
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