The American Lung Association in Georgia recognized Lanier and Tadmore Elementary Schools with its Asthma-Friendly Schools (GAFS) Bronze Award.
The award comes with $250 for each school and is given in recognition of schools that have taken positive strides to create a healthier learning environment using the strategies outlined in the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative. Silver and Gold level winners are schools that have gone above and beyond to protect the health of their students, faculty and staff. The 2015 GAFS Recognition Awards were supported by funding from the Raoul Foundation.
“Tadmore and Lanier Elementary Schools were two of five schools recognized with the Georgia Asthma-Friendly Schools Recognition Award in the state. Their efforts speak volumes about their approach and commitment to managing students’ asthma,” said Ateya Harbin Wilson, Director of Health Promotions with the American Lung Association of the Southeast. “An estimated 300,000 children are living with asthma in Georgia, a leading cause of school absenteeism responsible for nearly 500,000 million missed school days each year. By supporting the Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative, these two Hall County schools are helping kids with asthma stay healthy, in school and ready to learn.”
The Lung Association’s GAFS Recognition Award acknowledges schools that have worked to develop a comprehensive asthma management plan. The Lung Association encourages schools to take positive steps toward creating an asthma-friendly school by maximizing school health services, providing asthma education, creating a healthy school environment, and ensuring all students can participate in physical education and activity.
By recognizing schools that have taken a comprehensive approach to asthma management, the Lung Association works to increase awareness around childhood asthma, establish a cadre of schools that can share their best practices and experiences, as well as expand the number of schools working towards healthier learning environments.
“We are thrilled that the students, teachers, staff and school leaders at Tadmore are being recognized for outstanding asthma management and education by the American Lung Association,” said Robin Gower, principal at Tadmore Elementary School. John Wiggins, principal at Lanier Elementary School stated, “Our schools can help lead the way in Hall County and the state as we confront the issue of asthma among children and we are pleased to have this opportunity.”
Hall County school officials say the money will be used to buy supplies for the health clinics at each school.
