Managing Chronic Health Conditions in Schools

About 25% of children in the United States aged 2 to 8 years have a chronic health condition such as asthma, obesity, other physical conditions, and behavior/learning problems.¹ The healthcare needs of children with chronic illness can be complex and continuous and includes both daily management and addressing potential emergencies.

Health services in schools are a key component of the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. Ensuring that students have the health services they need in school to manage their chronic condition is important in helping them stay healthy and ready to learn—therefore, CDC works to improve the delivery of health services in the school environment for students of all ages.