The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the control and cure of asthma and allergies. We help people live active, healthy lives with asthma and allergies, including food allergies.
Spring Speaker Series!
Margee Louisias, MD, MPH
Webinar: Beyond Tuskegee: The Impact of Institutional Trustworthiness and Everyday Racism on Racial Diversity in Research in Allergies and Asthma
Speaker: Margee Louisias, MD, MPH, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School. Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Assistant Program Director for Racial Justice and Equity, IM Residency Program Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston
Date: May 3, 7:00-8:00
Click HERE to register for this dynamic, informative and important discussion!
To view Fall Gala 2022 photos, including those of our Keynote Speaker and three Champions of the Asthma and Allergy Community and attendees click here.
Click Here to View Photos
Speaker Series!Tips for Managing Food Allergies at Each Developmental Stage
Understanding how to manage food allergies as our children grow and become more independent can be challenging. Learn from the experts as they share their expertise with us as well as new resources to help!
Lisa Bartnikas, MD: Pediatric Allergist and Attending Physician, Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School.
Jenny LeBovidge, PhD: Attending Psychologist, Division of Immunology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Assistant Professor in Psychology, Harvard Medical School.
Theresa Bingemann, MD: Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine, Divisions of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, University of Rochester and Program Director for the Allergy and Immunology Fellowship Program.
Program Overview:
This presentation provided age-specific, evidence-based and practical recommendations for managing and coping with food allergies at different developmental stages, provided strategies for gradually involving children in food allergy management over time, and introduced the Food Allergy Stages Educational Handouts created by the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee, a new educational resource for caregivers.
AAFA New England donates over 800 Peak Flow Meters to the City of Methuen, MA!
AAFA New England Featured on Mayor Neil Perry’s Show, Mayor’s Minutes
AAFA New England donated hundreds of peak flow meters to the City of Methuen and participated on Mayor Neil Perry’s weekly show, Mayor’s Minutes, where we discussed AAFA New England, the great work we do, the donation and took part in a live Q&A.
AAFA New England is actively engaging in advocacy outreach to help all those affected by Allergies and Asthma by supporting the following bills in both the Massachusetts and Federal Government.
AAFA New England ADVOCACY
MA H.2393: An Act Relative to Improving Asthma in Schools
MA S.293: An Act Ensuring Safe Patient Access to Emergency Care “Laura’s Law”
MA S.1389: An Act to Improve Food Allergy Awareness
MA S.299: An Act to Establish Food Allergy Plans
US Federal Bills: CDC’s National Asthma Control Act; Elijah J. Cummings Family Asthma Act, S.578 FASTER Act
AAFA New England is donating over 18,000 “Brand new, in their original packaging” Respiratory Care Products to underserved communities!
Available items: Peak flow meters (adult & pediatric), mouthpieces (adult & pediatric), nose clips, and calibration syringes, in their original packaging, are available for immediate distribution. It is AAFA New England’s goal to help improve access to needed respiratory care equipment for community health centers, schools, and camps for patients and families impacted by asthma in underserved communities.
If you would like more information or to place an order for any of the above products please email us at respicare@aafane.org
Educational Webinar Program
Register for our next Event!
Click here to view past Speaker Series events.
Tips for Managing Food Allergies at Each Developmental Stage
November 14th at 7:00pm
This presentation provided age-specific, evidence-based and practical recommendations for managing and coping with food allergies at different developmental stages, provided strategies for gradually involving children in food allergy management over time, and introduced the Food Allergy Stages Educational Handouts created by the AAAAI Adverse Reactions to Foods Committee, a new educational resource for caregivers.
Food Allergies and Restaurants: Strategies for Eating Out Safely
October 13th at 7:00pm
A panel of experts discussed best practices for eating out and traveling with food allergies. As well as information about ongoing advocacy work and how restaurants are working to help people with food allergies enjoy eating out.
Food Allergy Clinical Trials: All Your Questions Answered
June 6th at 7:00pm
Dr. Rima Rachid explains food allergy clinical trials and explores cutting-edge trials currently taking place!
Clear and Effective Patient and Caregiver Conversations –
Andrea Rodriguez explored how to elevate patient engagement and the importance of health-literate discussions.
April 20th at 12:00 pm
Changes in Health Insurance – Coverage and Costs
November 18th at 7:00pm
Andrea Rodriguez, RN, BSN explores how changes in health insurance may affect your coverage and costs to gain an understanding of Health Insurance Terms, listen to examples of Health Insurance Options, know when you can change Your Health Insurance Plan and learn how to decide between Health Insurance Options.
Disparities in the Healthcare Delivery System: Part II
Tuesday, October 26th, 12:00 pm via Zoom
A panel of three doctors: Dr. Quindelyn Cook, Dr. Margee Louisias: Director of Diversity and Inclusion with the Division of Allergy and Immunology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dr. Lakiea Wright, Associate Physician, Brigham and Women’s Hospital discussed social determinants of health, structural racism, and implicit bias play major roles in preventing health equity. Over the past decade, there have been some advances in U.S. public policy, health care and research, but racial gaps in asthma and allergy outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma and allergies. A panel of three doctors will have a roundtable discussion on health disparities as they relate to asthma and allergies.
Food Allergy Science Institute (FASI) with Dr.Chris Olsen June
Tuesday, June 8, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 pm via Zoom
AAFA New England was proud to host Dr.Chris Olsen, Co-Founder and Executive Chair of The Food Allergy Science Institute (FASI), which brings together experts across disciplines to discover the underlying mechanisms of food allergies with the goal of unlocking the field and bringing new possibilities for diagnostics, prevention and treatment.
Evaluation and Management of Difficult to Control Eczema w/Dr. Jordan Scott
Thursday, May 20, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 pm via Zoom
Dr. Scott reviewed the multiple triggers of difficult to control eczema and the differential diagnosis including skin barrier problems, infectious triggers, food triggers, environmental and contact allergen triggers, and management strategies.
Health Care Disparities in the Asthma and Allergy Community
Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Online via Zoom.
This program discusses how social determinants of health, structural racism, and implicit bias play major roles in preventing health equity. Over the past decade, there have been some advances in U.S. public policy, health care, and research, but racial gaps in asthma and allergy outcomes have not changed. Minority groups continue to bear disproportionate hardship in managing asthma and allergies. A panel of four doctors will have a roundtable discussion on health disparities as they relate to asthma and allergies. Watch the recording here.
COVID-19 Resource Information Page
AAFA New England recognizes that the community we serve is particularly concerned about the impact of COVID-19. We too are concerned about the health and safety of people with asthma and allergies and their families. We have compiled some information you may find useful. As always, we recommend you visit reputable websites such as the CDC and WHO to get the most up-to-day and accurate information. COVID-19 Resources>
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You Deserve the Truth About Vaping
- E-Cigarettes and Vaping Resources
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AAFA New England Bulletin
Check out our 2022 Fall Bulletin!
Past Newsletters: 2022 Spring, 2022 Winter, 2021 Fall, 2021 Spring, 2021 Winter, 2020 Fall, 2020 Spring, 2020 Winter, 2019 Fall, 2019 Spring, 2019 Winter, 2018 Fall, 2018 Spring and 2017 Winter
Become a member of AAFA New England and receive your own copy of the Asthma & Allergy Bulletin three times a year! Professional members receive a limited supply of copies to give to patients.
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Be Smart and Breathe Easy Asthma Program
In 2018, AAFA New England conducted the “Be Smart and Breathe Easy Asthma Program” in three inner-city Boston schools. Original resource documents were created to help schools manage their students affected by this chronic condition. These resources, written in both English and Spanish, address both disease management and asthma environmental trigger remediation. It is our goal that these resource documents will extend our reach to help improve the quality of life for students with the diagnosis of asthma. Click here to access these resources for your own information.
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Sponsors, Supporters and Partners
AAFA New England gratefully acknowledges our generous supporters.
The Thoracic Foundation
