MAKING AN IMPACT
Wiley Asthma Program
Partnering with the American Lung Association and Akron Children’s Hospital to ensure every child with asthma has the resources they need to thrive.
163,000+
children in Ohio living with asthma
8%
of children under 18 have been diagnosed
50%
cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness
WHY THIS MATTERS
Asthma Can Be Life-Threatening
Reid battled asthma his entire life. While many consider it a manageable condition, without proper education and access to emergency medication, asthma attacks can be fatal. We lost Reid to complications from asthma in 2020. Through this program, we’re determined to ensure no other family experiences that tragedy.
Wiley Asthma Program
Discover how the Wiley Asthma Program, born from a family’s loss, is equipping Ohio school nurses with training, tools, and backpacks filled with asthma education materials to help children manage their asthma and breathe easier.
Wiley Asthma Program Fund
Learn how the Reid Wiley Charitable Foundation is funding life-saving asthma resources through Akron Children’s School Health Services, providing inhalers, spacers, and treatment support to students across 43 Ohio school districts.
PROGRAM INITIATIVES
What We Provide
Back-to-School Backpack Program
Students with asthma receive backpacks with school supplies, bilingual educational books, and asthma management resources to help them stay active and in control.
School Nurse Training
We provide asthma flipcharts and comprehensive training materials to school nurses, preparing them to respond effectively to asthma emergencies.
Open Airways for Schools
Free facilitator training ($400 value) that prepares educators to teach children ages 8-11 about asthma warning signs, triggers, and healthy decisions.
Emergency Medication Stipends
We offer stipends for schools to stock emergency albuterol (rescue) inhalers, disposable spacers, and storage systems—ensuring help is available when needed.
“The ultimate goal would be to provide all schools in Ohio with rescue inhalers, so when a child is experiencing an attack, the school nurse can provide that quick fix to prevent any further tragedies.”
— MARY WILEY, CO-FOUNDER
Learn More About Asthma Resources
Visit our partner sites for additional information and resources.