Project Overview

What did this project entail?

HEAL was led by the Massachusetts Asthma Action Partnership (MAAP) at Health Resources in Action, with funding from the EPA’s Office of Children’s Environmental Health. The project, developed in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), concluded in December 2024. 

HEAL leveraged and enhanced MAAP’s Clearing the Air Toolkit as the foundation for its work. In collaboration with the Northeastern University School Health Academy (NEUSHA), the project published nine online HEAL learning modules focused on policy and practice areas from the toolkit. These modules guide school nurses and other key partners in applying best practices to create asthma-friendly, healthy learning and work environments across schools and districts. Additionally, MAAP worked with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB) to develop tools that can help districts manage extreme heat, including customizable policy templates for: 

• District Wellness Policy  

• Faculty and Staff Handbooks  

• Emergency Cancellation, Delay, and Early Dismissal Procedures 

Building on HEAL

HRiA/MAAP received $500,000 from the EPA to continue the HEAL program through a new initiative called Building on HEAL. MAAP will collaborate with three districts from the original HEAL project—Lynn, Haverhill, and Holyoke—to maintain momentum and support the implementation of larger-scale projects addressing challenges in school environments. As part of this effort, $200,000 in subawards will be distributed to the participating districts to help them launch more comprehensive projects, participate in learning sessions and webinars, and receive in-depth technical assistance. In the program’s third year, MAAP will also host a summit on environmental health in schools, bringing together educators, health professionals, and community leaders to share insights and strategies for creating healthier school environments. 

HEAL Online Training Series

Overview

MAAP partnered with the Northeastern University School Health Academy (NEUSHA) to develop and publish nine online HEAL learning modules based on policy and practice areas from the Clearing the Air Toolkit. These modules take a deeper dive into strategies for creating asthma-friendly school environments. 

The modules are available for free to school stakeholders and can be accessed below through our Vimeo page: 

The nine module topics consist of:

• Module 1: An Introduction to Asthma Friendly Schools

• Module 2: Maintaining an Asthma Friendly School - A School Wide Approach

• Module 3: Integrated Pest Management

• Module 4: Green Cleaning and Environmental Purchasing Programs

• Module 5: Leaks and Moisture

• Module 6: Clutter

• Module 7: Air Quality

• Module 8: Tobacco, E-cigarettes, and Fragrance

• Module 9: Extreme Heat

Contact hours for school nurses

The series is split into 3 parts - school nurses who complete each part on NEUSHA’s platform will receive contact hours. Completing the entire series would provide school nurses in public schools in MA with 6 contact hours. 

HEAL District Projects

Below are summaries of the projects led by participating districts through the HEAL initiative. You can also watch a recording of their presentations from the December 2024 MAAP Coalition meeting here.

Holyoke

Holyoke used its HEAL subaward to strengthen collaboration between custodial and nursing staff while improving building conditions and developing policies to support healthier, asthma-friendly environments. 

Custodian and nurse teams participated in joint professional development sessions focused on how to conduct effective environmental walkthroughs. At H.B. Lawrence Elementary School, a Department of Public Health-led building walkthrough provided additional insights. The results from these walkthroughs were shared with the Director of Facilities, helping guide district-wide planning and prioritizing of improvements. This process allowed the district to take targeted action, focusing on specific needs identified during the walkthroughs, including: 

• Developing district policies on extreme heat, extreme cold, and green cleaning practices 

• Creating guidance for staff on decluttering classrooms and common spaces 

• Educating staff on the importance of air scrubbers and purifiers 

• Providing information on the operation and maintenance of Univent and AC systems  

One major outcome was the debut of the district’s Extreme Heat Policy and Resources, developed using templates and resources created during the project. This policy offers clear guidance to staff on protecting students during periods of high temperatures, with special considerations for those with asthma and other heat-sensitive conditions. Holyoke’s efforts have strengthened collaboration between school staff and facilities teams, ensuring that environmental health concerns are addressed proactively and consistently across the district. 

Lynn

Lynn focused its HEAL subaward on improving the environment and asthma management practices at Cobbet Elementary School, where a signigigant number of students live with asthma. 

The project prioritized creating safe, temperature-controlled spaces for students, particularly during periods of extreme heat, which can trigger asthma symptoms. Three key areas frequented by students during hot weather or when experiencing asthma symptoms—the nurse’s office, social worker wing, and main office—were identified as priority spaces. In collaboration with the city’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD) and HEAL funding, air conditioning units were installed in these areas to provide relief and improve air quality. 

To further support asthma management and student health, the district also implemented several policies and educational initiatives, including: 

• LPS Guidance for schools to monitor conditions and modify student activities based on weather, particularly when air conditioning is not available 

• Protocols for extreme heat, ensuring classrooms are adjusted for comfort and safety 

• Family education on protecting children during extreme heat, including how to use tools like the HeatRisk Tool for making decisions about outdoor activities 

• Staff training on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses and preventing heat-related issues in student-athletes 

These combined efforts have strengthened Cobbet Elementary’s and the district’s ability to manage asthma and protect student health, particularly during extreme weather conditions. 

Haverhill

Haverhill used its HEAL subaward to focus on both environmental improvements and asthma management practices to create healthier, asthma-friendly spaces for students.  

At Moody Extension Preschool, the district’s oldest school serving children ages 3–5, a walkthrough with the custodian and principal identified key health concerns, including uncovered radiators in classrooms and offices, as well as drafty windows affecting air quality. The $7,000 subaward was used to design, purchase, and install custom radiator covers, reducing dust accumulation and improving air quality—an important step for students with asthma. Although replacing the drafty windows was beyond the project budget, the improvements made set the stage for future upgrades. In addition to these upgrades, the district launched an effort to standardize asthma management by implementing a unified Asthma Emergency Action Plan (EAP) across all school buildings and health offices. After reviewing and selecting an EAP with input from school nurses, the plan was rolled out district-wide and is now actively in use.  

New Bedford

New Bedford focused its HEAL subaward on improving the indoor environment at Hayden McFadden Elementary School, addressing air quality, temperature control, and asthma management to create a healthier, more supportive space for students and staff.

An initial assessment identified several issues impacting the school’s environment, including water-damaged ceiling tiles, dust accumulation on intake fans and vents, and rising temperatures in classrooms without air conditioning. Facilities staff addressed leaks, replaced damaged ceiling tiles, and cleaned building vents and intake fans to improve air quality. The grant funds were used toward installing a Cold Climate air source heat pump system, creating a temperature-controlled space within the school. This space is now used to assess and treat students receiving services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for those with health concerns, including asthma. To further support students with asthma and heat sensitivities, the district also developed warm-weather protocols, including guidance for teachers to keep at-risk students in temperature-controlled classrooms during hot days and ensuring all students and staff have access to cool drinking water throughout the day. 

Looking ahead, the district is focusing on education and prevention to maintain a healthy school environment. Plans include: 

• Educating staff and students on the importance of good indoor air quality 

• Encouraging regular ventilation by opening windows and doors when weather permits 

• Implementing routine maintenance, like cleaning air filters and ducts 

• Continuing to address moisture issues, such as leaks, to prevent future damage 

A committee has been formed to meet monthly and develop nursing protocols, with a focus on environmental health, asthma management, and heat-related concerns. School nurses will also complete asthma education modules to enhance their knowledge and improve care for students with asthma.