In August 2026, the state of California launched the School Albuterol Access Initiative. In partnership with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Amneal Pharmaceuticals, CalRx® now provides a centralized ordering system for California’s 10,000 public and charter TK–12 schools to obtain an emergency stock of albuterol metered-dose inhalers and single-use disposable spacers at no cost for three years.
This program is designed to ensure schools have what they need to respond quickly and confidently when someone on campus experiences respiratory distress.
Products will be shipped directly to county offices of education, school districts, or school sites as authorized by the CDPH albuterol standing order. Private schools may order products at their own cost. After three years, the system will remain accessible for schools to continue ordering products directly from Amneal.
CalRx® is also partnering with the California School Nurses Organization to provide asthma and stock albuterol training guidelines to California’s public TK–12 school districts for free, which includes:
- Techniques for recognizing symptoms of respiratory distress
- Protocols for the emergency use of an albuterol inhaler in a school setting
- Follow-up procedures for calling 911 and notifying parents/guardians
For information about the CDPH albuterol standing order process, please visit https://standingorders.cdph.ca.gov/ or contact [email protected].
Additional resources include:
- Stock Albuterol Program Readiness Checklist (PDF)
- CDPH Albuterol Standing Order Frequently Asked Questions
Lastly, for an overview of the Initiative, please see this webinar recording from August 25, 2026.