A total of 221 schools across the early childhood, elementary, middle school, and high school levels are certified as Colorado Asthma Friendly Schools. This new assessment will highlight each school’s commitment to comprehensive asthma management and student health throughout the 2025-2026 school year and connect each school to a growing regional network through the Colorado Comprehensive School-Centered Asthma Program (AsthmaCOMP), supported by Children’s Hospital Colorado.
Asthma is one of the leading causes of chronic disease-related school absenteeism, affecting thousands of Colorado youth and their families each year. Research also shows that asthma disproportionately affects Blacks, Hispanics, American Indians, and Alaska Natives. The first year of the Colorado Asthma Friendly Schools Initiative is designed to recognize school districts that work together to create safe environments in which students can thrive.
A total of 24 Colorado school districts received accreditation this year, representing more than 10% of the state’s districts. 137 nurses from participating schools participated in implementing asthma-friendly practices, positively impacting more than 120,000 students. All 71 schools in the Cherry Creek School District and 28 schools in the Thompson School District met the necessary standards to secure accreditation, making them two of the most engaged school districts in Colorado.
This one-year milestone deserves a statewide celebration to honor the many schools, nurses, and community partners who have dedicated their time and efforts to improving the health of our students. Children’s Colorado continues to focus on improving asthma outcomes both within our hospital walls and throughout the communities we serve, and this commitment from Colorado schools is proof of that. ”
Melanie Gleason, Physician Assistant at Children’s Colorado and AsthmaCOMP Associate Director
To earn the Colorado Asthma Friendly School designation, schools were required to demonstrate implementation of four strategies. Based on level of implementation, each eligible school earned gold, silver, or bronze level certification.
- Maximize the provision of school health services
- Build asthma education for staff, students, and families
- Provide a healthy school environment
- Physical education and physical activity management
“Achieving the Colorado Asthma Friendly School designation reflects the school’s efforts every day to keep students healthy, supported and ready to learn,” said Christy Haas-Howard, School Nurse Asthma Specialist. “When schools prioritize evidence-based asthma practices, students experience fewer disruptions and stronger outcomes.”
Colorado Asthma Friendly Schools not only create an inclusive environment for children to learn and grow, they also enjoy a variety of benefits. This includes strengthening collaboration around asthma management and increasing trust among parents and community members. Schools have until March 1, 2027 to complete and submit an online self-assessment for Colorado Asthma Friendly School designation in 2026-2027.
The Colorado Asthma-Friendly Schools initiative is part of the long-standing AsthmaCOMP program, funded by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Grant programs for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and lung disease. The AsthmaCOMP program is led by Dr. Heather De Keyser of the University of Colorado in collaboration with Children’s Colorado, the Colorado Department of Education’s Office of School Health Services, Action for Healthy Children, and Environmental Protection Agency Region 8.
In addition to the Colorado Asthma-Friendly Schools Certification Program, the AsthmaCOMP program offers a variety of services, including the placement of Asthma Health Navigators in more than 50 schools in the Aurora, Denver, Brighton, Inglewood, Mapleton and Sheridan areas, with plans to expand into Jefferson County. Navigators provide asthma education and accommodations to students and their families, as well as assist with barriers to care. Through a partnership with the Colorado Department of Education, this program provides advanced training to school nurses and staff to promote best practices for asthma management in schools.
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Children’s Hospital Colorado
