Allergy & Asthma Network Wins Two Anthem Awards for Excellence in Podcasting and Trusted Messengers Program
Published: November 19, 2025
FAIRFAX, VA, NOVEMBER 18, 2025 – Allergy & Asthma Network, the leading national nonprofit dedicated to improving the health and quality of life for people impacted by asthma, allergies and related conditions, today announced it has been honored with two Anthem Awards for exceptional programs that advance health equity and trustworthy, high-quality podcasting.
The Anthem Awards celebrate purpose-driven work that inspires social impact and drives meaningful change in communities around the world.
The two Bronze-level Anthem Awards are for:
- Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovation Podcast in collaboration with The Itch Podcast for the Health: Branded Content or Collaboration category.
- Trusted Messengers: Improving Health Equity in Under-Resourced Communities in the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Community Outreach category.
Allergy & Asthma Network’s award-winning initiatives highlight the organization’s innovative approach and commitment to collaboration, trust, and lasting impact for people living with asthma, allergies and related diseases. The recognized programs highlight partnerships with patients, healthcare providers, policymakers and industry leaders to improve health outcomes and promote equitable access to care.
“These awards demonstrate the power of working together toward a common mission,” says Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “I’m truly honored to receive these awards on behalf of our incredible team at Allergy & Asthma Network, as well as Payel Gupta, MD, and patient advocate Kortney Kwong Hing, our podcast partners. Together, we’re making a positive impact on the lives of people living with these chronic conditions.”
Launched in 2023, the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Innovations Podcast reaches thousands of listeners with the latest information, insight and inspiration on asthma, allergies and related diseases. Co-hosts Dr. Gupta and Kortney of The Itch Podcast interview leading asthma and allergy experts from across the United States to raise awareness, promote understanding of these conditions, and support better health outcomes.
“As a doctor-patient team, we wanted to break down barriers to patient-centered care and medically vetted education, and podcasting gave us a way to share that information in a more accessible way,” Dr. Gupta and Kortney said in a joint statement. “Our partnership with Allergy & Asthma Network helped us build on that goal and connect with an audience that already trusts their guidance.”
Trusted Messengers is the Network’s signature health equity initiative. The program pairs community-based outreach with a six-week, one-on-one virtual asthma coaching curriculum led by certified asthma educators. Results of the program show significant and sustained improvements in patients’ asthma control and quality of life, especially in under-resourced communities, and a reduction in emergency department visits and hospitalizations.
“By delivering health education through empowerment and empathy, we’re supporting people in gaining control over their asthma and reducing preventable, high-cost care,” says De De Gardner, DrPH, RRT, Chief Research Officer at Allergy & Asthma Network. “Trusted Messengers shows what is possible when we meet patients where they are, listen to their needs, and build care strategies together. This award reinforces the value of community-led solutions and the importance of ensuring every person – no matter their zip code – has the knowledge and support to breathe easier.”
The Anthem Awards were launched in 2021. This year’s winners were selected from a pool of more than 2,000 submissions from 42 countries by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. By amplifying voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards help define a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities.
About Allergy & Asthma Network
Founded in 1985, Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading nonprofit outreach, education, advocacy and research organization for people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance patient-centered research and advocate for better outcomes, access to care, education, and treatments that lead to improved health and quality of life. We specialize in making medically accurate information understandable to all, promote evidence-based care, and foster collaboration among patients, clinicians, researchers, advocates and policymakers. Learn more at AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.
About Trusted Messengers
Trusted Messengers is the signature health equity program of Allergy & Asthma Network. The program is built on a belief in community-led solutions to achieve equity in healthcare. Trusted Messengers began in 2020 to address the negative health impact of COVID-19 and asthma in the Black community. The program helps people get the knowledge they need – from trusted, credible sources such as local churches and community health centers – to adopt healthy behaviors and make informed decisions about their healthcare. Trusted Messengers events involve certified asthma educators going into communities to conduct assessments for asthma, allergies, food allergies and eczema. People with asthma are invited to enroll in virtual asthma coaching, a free 6-week series of 1-on-1 online sessions – available in English and Spanish – with a certified asthma educator. Trusted Messengers is funded through the generous support of founding sponsor Sanofi, as well as AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Genentech and Regeneron.
