Illinois schools adopt Rescue Illinois program for free asthma inhalers

The LaSalle County government meeting on April 15, 2025, focused on critical health and educational services, particularly regarding the implementation of rescue inhalers in schools and updates from the Health Department and Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC).

A significant discussion centered on the "Rescue Illinois" initiative, which aims to provide public schools with free rescue inhalers for students with asthma. This program addresses challenges schools face in obtaining standing orders from doctors to stock inhalers. The initiative, funded by grants, allows schools to use inhalers for students experiencing respiratory distress, ensuring they can remain in class rather than being sent home or to the emergency room. Schools must register with Rescue Illinois and complete training to participate in the program. Additionally, Illinois has capped the price of rescue inhalers at $25 to alleviate costs for families.

The meeting also touched on the administration of EpiPens in schools, which are individually prescribed but can be stocked for emergency use. Training for school staff on administering these medications is ongoing, with a push to extend training intervals from every two years to every five years.

Other topics included updates on child abuse reporting and ongoing tobacco surveys to assess vaping and cigarette use among youth. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provided updates on protocols for using rescue inhalers and EpiPens in schools, emphasizing the importance of these measures in keeping students safe and healthy.

The meeting concluded with the approval of the quarterly report for school services and bills for the Health Department and VAC, highlighting the county's commitment to supporting health and educational initiatives.