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Local respiratory therapist praises Kansas law allowing emergency albuterol in schools, urges district to address administration protocols
Summary
A longtime registered respiratory therapist and asthma educator told the Wichita school board she supports state permission for emergency albuterol in schools and said the next issue is policy and protocol for administering albuterol, including use of metered-dose inhalers and spacers.
Kendra (Kendrell) Holly, a registered respiratory therapist and certified asthma educator, told the Wichita Public Schools board during the Aug. 4 public-comment period that a July 2024 change in Kansas law allows stock emergency albuterol in schools and urged the district to adopt clear administration protocols.
Holly said asthma affects roughly one in 10 students and praised the state’s change allowing schools to carry emergency albuterol "like Narcan," describing it as a substantial step. She outlined two delivery methods—nebulized aerosols and metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)—and said MDIs with spacers are the quicker method and would be her preferred approach.
Holly told the board she would return with paperwork describing administration options and urged the district to clarify who would be authorized to give medication and under what consent processes. She requested that the board and administration provide direction on medication administration policies and training for staff.
The board did not respond during the meeting but thanked Holly and noted the district will follow up as appropriate.
