The Allergists’ Foundation, the philanthropic branch of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), has continued its support for community-based projects that address barriers to allergy and asthma care. Since 2021, the Foundation has funded initiatives led by practicing allergists aimed at solving challenges in their communities.
Grants are available in two categories: planning or exploratory projects receive up to $10,000 for one year to gather data on underexplored issues, while implementation projects can receive up to $25,000 over two years to advance work already underway.
This year, six grant recipients will present their findings at the ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando. The grants are supported by donations from College members and additional funding from GSK.
“We received an enthusiastic response to our Community Grant Program call for proposals, which made the selection process both exciting and challenging,” said Todd Mahr, MD, ACAAI Executive Medical Director and chair of the Foundation’s Grants Allocation Committee. “The creativity and quality of the proposals have been outstanding, and we’re eager to see even more innovative ideas in future grant cycles.”
The six projects being presented cover a range of topics:
- A study using machine learning tools aims to improve diagnosis between subtypes of hereditary angioedema.
- Research into provider behaviors looks at how different medical professionals treat mild asthma.
- A data-driven evaluation is assessing asthma rates in Chicago Public Schools as part of a stock inhaler pilot program. Asthma rates are higher in Chicago than elsewhere in Illinois, with limited access to rescue inhalers affecting marginalized students’ attendance and academic performance.
- An update on a national registry for female carriers of X-linked chronic granulomatous disease is being shared. The registry enrolled 45 participants through a dedicated survey platform.
- Another project explores how artificial intelligence-powered search engines might help manage food allergies and intolerances by examining allergists’ use of digital resources.
- Efforts are underway in Seattle to improve screening for food insecurity among pediatric allergy patients. Although validated screening measures exist, they are not commonly used by allergists despite evidence that children with food allergies face increased risk of food insecurity.
The ACAAI Annual Scientific Meeting runs from November 6–10 in Orlando. More information about allergies, asthma, or finding an allergist is available at AllergyandAsthmaRelief.org.
Founded in 1942 and based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, ACAAI represents more than 6,000 board-certified allergists-immunologists and allied health professionals who focus on patient care, education, advocacy, and research.
