May is peak season for people with asthma and allergies and a perfect time to highlight how all of us – parents, family, friends, co-workers and others – can focus on big and small ways that we can all better understand and better overcome the conditions so many need to manage.
Here are some of the awareness events that you should be aware of during May:
- May 7th: World Asthma Day
- May 12-18: Food Allergy Awareness Week
- Week of May 13: Look for the special Spring 2019 edition of the AAFA New England Bulletin in your mailbox or view it on our website.
More than 60 million Americans overall have asthma and allergies…
Yet, these conditions are still widely misunderstood, as are many of the people who have them.
The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, New England Chapter is educating, supporting and advocating for people who are affected by asthma and allergies. Here are some of the ways we are helping, especially during Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month:
Speaker Series Events bookend National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month:
- The first in our Spring 2019 Speaker Series on April 24th was “Flying with Food Allergies” presented by Laurel Francoeur noted attorney and food allergy advocate. The event was streamed live and is available for viewing: (add link)
- On May 28th at Boston Children’s at Waltham at 6:30 p.m., we close out the month with “Asthma Basics: When to Pay Close Attention; When to Start to Worry.” Beth Klements, Asthma Clinical Specialist at Boston Children’s Hospital, will offer her expertise to educate attendees on best practices. Click here to register to attend in person or to sign up for the live streaming video.
Advocacy for legislation enables AAFA New England to help in advancing sound public policies that impact our constituents:
- On May 2nd, representatives from AAFA New England will attend a briefing in State Senator Cynthia Creem’s office in the Massachusetts State House to learn how we can support S.255, An Act to Establish Food Allergy Plans in Massachusetts schools.
- We support Massachusetts Senate Bill S.1226, An Act to Improve Food Allergy Awareness, which currently has 14 co-sponsors and is awaiting a hearing to present testimony.
- We are advocating also in New Hampshire and Connecticut to raise awareness among state House and Senate representatives to generate support for programs that benefit children affected by food allergies.
Here is how you can get involved and how you can help with your support during Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month:
- Access our library of articles on our website including research, guides, checklists and tips to educate and better prepared you to manage asthma and allergy conditions.
- Attend our Speaker Series events in person or via streaming video: “Accurate, Timely Information is Empowering”
- Advocate for changes in public policy that can truly make a difference in your state and locally, as well.
- Get involved: Become a member of AAFA New England, volunteer to help us be even more effective in our mission, dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies in our six New England states.
- Support AAFA New England: Your financial support drives our ability to extend our reach throughout all the New England states. Donate now in May: “Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.” You can make a difference!
