About Us
Your trusted resource for people with allergies, asthma, and related conditions, and for those who care for them.
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Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN) is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization founded in 1985. We are dedicated to improving the lives of people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. We are devoted to putting patients first — transforming how these conditions are perceived and treated. We do this through a patient-centered approach, ensuring inclusion in all aspects of our work from research to community support resources.  Â
Health equity is a cornerstone of our efforts. We work to create a world where healthcare is accessible and affordable for ALL people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. We want people to have the information they need to manage their conditions. We want people to feel empowered to have conversations with their healthcare providers regarding their values, preferences and treatment choices.Â
Mission
The mission of Allergy & Asthma Network is to end the needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions through outreach, education, advocacy and research.
Vision
We envision a world where everyone affected by asthma, allergies and related conditions can lead more active, healthy, fulfilling lives — free from the limitations and concerns these conditions often bring. We believe that with the right information, support and advocacy, people can better manage their chronic conditions.
Values
At Allergy & Asthma Network, our values reflect the priority principles that define the organization, unite our team and guide our actions every day.
- Patient-First Always: For more than 35 years, our work has focused on educating and supporting people living with asthma, allergies and other related conditions. We seek to empower with compassion and empathy. Our work is informed by the shared lived experiences of those living with asthma, allergies and related conditions.
- Health Equity for All: We empower people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions to make informed decisions about their health. We create health literate, culturally responsive awareness and education programs that address social determinants of health and other systemic barriers to care. We advocate for access to healthcare, affordable healthcare, diversity and inclusion in research, and policies that aim to improve health outcomes for all.
- Better Together: We are enthusiastic collaborators, dedicated to successful partnership internally and with community stakeholders. We believe that energetic teamwork fuels engagement and critical relationships with those who make our important work possible every day.
- Courageous Problem-Solving: We are purposeful in our efforts. We aim to deliver life-changing solutions for those living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. This requires nimble creativity to dream, refine and deliver.
- Uncompromising Excellence: We aim for bold transparency and impeccable leadership while delivering breakthrough, award-winning work for those living with asthma, allergies and related conditions.
What We Do
Our values come to life across our four primary mission areas as follows:
Outreach:
Our community outreach programs meet people where they are. Whether in their local communities or online, people look for health information and support for managing their chronic conditions. A key part of our work includes outreach events to educate and raise awareness in diverse communities with trusted partners across the country. We engage people online, where they are, through our social media outreach activities.
Education:
We are committed to providing easily accessible, up-to-date health information in English and Spanish. Our educational resources include website articles, videos, webinars, podcasts and live events that cover a wide range of topics, from understanding triggers and symptoms to the latest treatment options.Â
Advocacy:
We work tirelessly to raise awareness, promote research, and collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and government agencies to drive change. We advocate for policies and practices that aim to improve the quality of life for those living with asthma, allergies and related conditions, particularly those most adversely impacted by barriers to care and environmental inequity.
Research:
We conduct and support patient-centered research to understand and address community needs. We advocate for the lived experience to be included in all phases of the drug development process. As we encourage diversity and inclusion in research, we also educate our community about research and how they can get involved.
Our TeamÂ
Our team of passionate, highly-skilled and award-winning experts includes renowned medical professionals, published researchers, certified educators and respected advocates – all dedicated to improving outcomes and the lives of people affected by asthma, allergies and related conditions.Â
Our Commitments
Allergy & Asthma Network is committed to patient engagement and helping people with asthma and allergies live well. Our resources are produced to be accessible, inclusive and relatable for all.
Health Equity
Our work aims to reduce healthcare inequity by helping people get the knowledge they need from trusted, credible sources to adopt healthy behaviors and make informed decisions about their health. We advocate for the under-resourced through our mission areas of outreach, education, advocacy and research. We demonstrate our commitment to health equity by creating health literate, culturally responsive awareness and education programs that address social determinants of health and other systemic barriers to care. This commitment to thriving with dignity works toward equitable access to healthcare, treatment and medical advances for all patients with asthma, allergies, and related conditions.
Accessibility
Allergy & Asthma Network evaluates the accessibility of all our awareness and education programs through the lens of people living with disabilities. All webinars are transcribed live with closed captioning. All webinars and podcasts have the transcription featured along with the audio and video recordings. Most of our web content meets the WCAG level AA requirements. We understand our accessibility limitations and work to address them. Please read our website’s accessibility statement for more information.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We are committed to creating an environment that is diverse, inclusive and equitable where our employees, board members, partners, volunteers and community are treated with respect and dignity.
We do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. We ensure a healthy and safe environment for all who are a part of our organization. We strive to embrace our differences, find commonalities, and exemplify individuals that can agree to disagree on issues, yet work together in a respectful, safe, and healthy manner. We agree to be guided by these principles and pledge they will be reflected in Allergy & Asthma Network’s vision, mission, strategic planning, and governance.
We will continue to build and nurture a workforce inclusive of diverse perspectives, talents, backgrounds and experiences, while embracing diverse voices across the patient and health care communities.
Privacy
Advocacy
For more than 35 years, Allergy & Asthma Network has led federal and state levels legislative and regulatory advocacy to improve access to healthcare and affordable medications for those living with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Through our advocacy work, we ensure that the lived experience is represented at every level of government. We empower advocates and other stakeholders to impact public policy, providing step-by-step guidance on how to advocate for asthma and allergy issues with their local and nationally elected officials. Our advocacy work ensures that federal and state laws, policies, regulations, and resource allocation achieve optimal health outcomes for people living with asthma, allergies, and related conditions.
We also lead the way with Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill, which brings together patient advocates to visit legislators and make their voices heard. This annual event in May involves people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions, their families, healthcare professionals and industry partners to raise awareness of asthma and allergy issues among members of Congress.
Together with all stakeholders, Allergy & Asthma Network amplifies the lived experience, builds capacity, and makes connections at all levels of government and in communities nationwide.
Get Involved
Whether you’re living with asthma, allergies or related conditions, care for someone who is, or simply want to support our cause, we invite you to get involved. Your participation in our community and advocacy efforts can make a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Join us in our mission to create a world where asthma, allergies and related conditions no longer limit potential, but instead inspire us to live life to the fullest.
Thank you for visiting Allergy & Asthma Network.
