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Who We Are and What We do

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.

AAFA New England was founded in 1979 to control and prevent asthma and allergic conditions through patient education, public awareness and support for research. Our work is more needed today than ever before. New England has one of the highest asthma rates in the country affecting one in every 9 people and one in every 5 has allergies. Approximately 3% of the population is susceptible to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic shock reaction to foods, medications, latex and insect stings. There has been a frightening 18% increase in food allergies in children in the last decade; up to 8% of U.S. children live with life-threatening food allergies.

With few exceptions, AAFA New England is the only local organization to provide services to help New Englanders manage their asthma and food and other allergies. We offer personal assistance to help children, adults and families solve their individual asthma and allergy problems. Most of our programs are free or heavily subsidized.

We help individuals, families, health care workers and others in many ways, including:

Telephone “help line” that offers advice, information, and referrals to those who are newly diagnosed or face challenges in managing their asthma and allergies.

Publications including newsletters, brochures and a website, with updates on the latest research and tips for living with asthma and allergies.

Educational support groups that provide expert speakers on medical topics and group discussions for those who are coping with asthma and allergies in their families.

Training programs for child care providers and health professionals, helping them to care for their students and patients with asthma and allergies.

Advocacy for allergy-friendly schools, smoke-free public places, clean air, access to medical care, and other public policies that make life safer for people with asthma and allergies and healthier for everyone.

Public education and awareness, including exhibits at health fairs, a Speakers Bureau, and media campaigns.

Referrals to physicians, research studies, health and other resources.

For further information, contact us at 781-444-7778 or by e-mail: aafane@aafane.org.

All of our programs and services are funded by charitable donations and grants from individuals, foundations, businesses and corporate philanthropic sources.

 

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America,
New England Chapter
25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200
Braintree, MA 02184-8796

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jan Hanson, MA, President
Karen Roberto, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN, Vice President
Matthew Chin, CPA, Treasurer
Christina O’Brien, JD, MA, Clerk

Emile Baker, LICSW
Giovannie Bejin, MSN, BSN;RN, CPNP-PC
Margee Louisias, MD, MPH
Meghan Neri
Dianna Queheillalt, RN, APRN, CPNP, AE-C

HONORARY DIRECTORS

Irving Bailit, MD
Bette Barbadoro
George Behrakis
Cynthia Daley
Joseph Ferney
Hon. Gordon Martin, Jr.
Robert Stoker
Frank J. Twarog, MD, PhD

MEDICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Jennifer LeBovidge, PhD, Chair
Lisa Bartnikas, MD
Michael Pistiner, MD
Nancy Rotter, PhD
Susan A. Rudders, MD
Elizabeth TePas, MD

FOUNDING PRESIDENT

Albert L. Sheffer, MD
(1929-2015)