The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America announced on April 30 that it will focus on the power of community to improve asthma and allergy health during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May.
This annual event, started by AAFA in 1984, aims to raise awareness about asthma and allergic diseases affecting more than 106 million people in the United States. The organization said its efforts this year will highlight how community factors such as access to healthcare, local policies, and environmental conditions influence disease prevention, symptom management, and quality of life for those affected.
"For the more than 106 million people in the United States with asthma and/or allergies, disease prevention, symptom management, and control are influenced by where you live," said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. "Your community, your access to healthcare, and the policies that shape the world around you all contribute to how you live with and manage asthma and allergic diseases. These conditions can negatively impact quality of life and cause missed days of school and work, doctor and hospital visits, and can be fatal. Between 9 and 11 people die each day from asthma."
Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA said: "Asthma and allergic diseases are not managed in isolation. Reducing exposure to symptom triggers in your lived environment requires cooperation and support from those around you. This can range from smoke-free housing to monitoring food for the presence of allergens to policies and regulations that reduce air pollution. A community health approach is essential." The foundation plans a press briefing at the U.S. Capitol on World Asthma Day (May 5) with patients, caregivers, clinicians—and will ask Congress for continued support for programs benefiting those with asthma or allergies.
Mendez also said: "When our community comes together to take action, we get results. Last year our advocacy succeeded in restoring funding to the CDC’s National Asthma Control Program (NACP). This year we will ask Congress to continue to support the programs and research that make a difference in the lives of millions of people in the U.S. with asthma or allergies." AAFA encourages advocates to use its online Advocacy Action Center for information about current legislation.
Founded in 1953 as a non-profit patient organization dedicated exclusively to supporting individuals affected by these conditions through education research advocacy—AAFA provides resources via online communities regional chapters collaborations—and was recognized as meeting standards set by National Health Council.
