Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill 2026: Urgent Need for Affordable Care

Published: February 4, 2026

Revised: June 8th, 2026

A large group of people stand on the steps of a government building, holding umbrellas on a rainy day. The group appears diverse and is posing together, with the U.S. Capitol building visible in the background.

For millions of people living with asthma and allergies, access to medicine can mean the difference between staying healthy and facing a medical emergency. Many rely on daily medications to control symptoms and prevent complications. Others depend on lifesaving treatments during asthma attacks or severe allergic reactions.

However, a recent study found that six in 10 adults worry about being able to afford their prescription drugs. Four in 10 adults say they have had to delay care, skip doses or not fill prescriptions because of high drug costs.

Amid this backdrop, Allergy & Asthma Network hosted its 29th annual Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill (AADCH) on May 6 in Washington, DC. The theme, “Prescription for Progress: Bridging the Gap in Patient Affordability and Access,” highlighted the urgent need for solutions to high drug costs.

AADCH is Allergy & Asthma Network’s annual advocacy day. It continues the Network’s mission to ensure federal laws, policies and regulations help people living with asthma, allergies and related diseases. Advocates were on Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staff. They represented the patient voice at these meetings.

This year we had…

  • 130 advocates from 26 states attended in person (including 8 young advocates who added a special energy to the day!)
  • 119 meetings with legislators and/or their staff on Capitol Hill
  • 422 virtual advocates who sent 1,292 emails to members of Congress as part of our online advocacy campaign

Allergy & Asthma Network is leading national advocacy efforts on medication access, affordability and safety. Approximately 28 million people in the United States live with asthma, and more than 82 million have allergies.

“Access to lifesaving medication should not depend on a person’s income or insurance barriers,” said Nissa Shaffi, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Allergy & Asthma Network. “We are urging lawmakers to support legislation that helps make healthcare more accessible and treatments more affordable within health insurance plans.”

In addition to AADCH, Allergy & Asthma Network hosted its annual Social Advocate Summit on May 5. Advocates and social media influencers gathered to discuss how to better engage audiences on social media. They also discussed best practices for social media.

Legislative Priorities for 2026

In addition to advocating for more affordable medications, Allergy & Asthma Network will ask Congress to support four key bills during AADCH:

  • Safe Step Act improves health insurance step therapy protocols and ensures patients can obtain the best treatment prescribed for them.
  • Help Ensure Lower Patient (HELP) Copays Act requires health insurers to count the value of copay assistance toward deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums.
  • Gio’s Law establishes a federal grant program to ensure that first responders have the medications and training necessary to save lives during allergic emergencies.
  • One School One Nurse Act addresses the ongoing shortage of school nurses by providing grants for recruiting, hiring, and retaining school nurses in public schools.

Allergy & Asthma Network also advocated for continued funding to support asthma and allergy research and health programs at federal agencies. This includes the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

For a complete list of AADCH issues and priorities, visit our Advocacy Center.

A woman with long, wavy hair and glasses stands indoors, reading from a sheet of paper. She wears a gray short-sleeved blouse and a name tag, and stands near a microphone.
Georgina Cornago gave a heartfelt testimonial about the loss of her son “Gio” to anaphylaxis in 2013. Georgina is a longtime advocate for epinephrine preparedness legislation and leads efforts on “Gio’s Law.

Gio’s Law: Expanding Access to Epinephrine

Allergy & Asthma Network was proud to honor Georgina Cornago with the first-ever Clarion for Policy Impact Award. Georgina is a longtime advocate for epinephrine preparedness legislation. The award was presented to her during AADCH.

In 2013, Georgina’s son Giovanni – “Gio” for short – ate a snack that he did not know contained peanut. Living with a peanut allergy, Gio had a severe allergic reaction.

In the rush to get treatment at a local urgent care clinic, Georgina and Gio misplaced his epinephrine auto-injector. Gio’s heart stopped on the way to the hospital, and he was without oxygen for nearly three minutes. Gio was put in a medically induced coma. Tragically, he died two-and-a-half weeks later.

After Gio’s death, Georgina dedicated herself to ensuring first responders, including police and fire departments, have access to epinephrine.

“When anaphylaxis happens, epinephrine is the only medication that can treat it,” Georgina said in remarks at the Congressional Lunch Briefing. “And it must be given immediately. When epinephrine is made available to first responders, and in public places, lives are saved.”

Georgina started the Love for Giovanni Foundation to advocate for Gio’s Law in New York State. The measure, which authorizes New York police and fire departments to carry epinephrine, was signed into law in 2019.

Now Gio’s Law is at the federal level. The bipartisan bill (H.R. 4019) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025. It establishes a federal grant program to ensure that first responders have the medications and training to save lives during allergic emergencies.

“My goal is simple: help create a world where no other families have to experience this kind of loss,” Georgina said. “We know epinephrine saves lives, but only if it is available, only if people are trained, only if it is given immediately,” Georgina said. “That is why Gio’s Law matters. That is why access matters. That is why education matters.”

Lawmakers Highlight Need for Better Access

Reps. David Valadao (R-CA) and Debbie Dingell (D-MI), who serve as Congressional Asthma & Allergy Caucus co-chairs, shared video remarks at a Congressional Lunch Briefing in the Rayburn House Office Building.

Valadao represents California’s San Joaquin Valley, which has the highest asthma rates in the state. “For a lot of families, managing asthma means juggling doctor visits, paying for medications, and trying to stay ahead of emergencies,” he said. “I have focused on practical bipartisan solutions to help address these challenges.”

Valadao and Dingell reintroduced the Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act. The measure expands federal, state and local efforts to improve access to care for people with asthma.

Valadao also introduced the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act. This would remove oxygen and oxygen equipment from Medicare competitive bidding and reimburse respiratory therapist services. Dingell signed as a co-sponsor of the bill.

“Each of these efforts is about making the system work better,” Valadao said.

Added Dingell: “As we continue this work your efforts and your partnership are essential. Share your stories and educate people, because you’re making a difference for millions of Americans. And I’m one of those stories. I’m a woman with asthma. And I won’t stop working with you.

“It takes all of us doing our part to make real and lasting change through strong federal funding, research, and increased awareness and support. Know that we are all in this together across the country to help people have longer and healthier lives.”

A woman stands at a podium speaking during an event called "Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill." She gestures with one hand, and a sign with event sponsors is visible beside her.
A man in a suit and tie speaks at a podium with a microphone. Behind him is a presentation slide displaying various infographics. An audience member is visible in the foreground.
An older man in a suit and red tie speaks into a microphone while gesturing with his hand, sitting at a table with a window showing trees in the background.

ACAAI Leaders Speak Up for Patients

Leaders from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) spoke about the need for better healthcare access and affordability.

At a breakfast briefing, ACAAI President Cherie Zachary explained that more people are developing asthma and food allergies, especially in communities that already face challenges getting healthcare.

Dr. Zachary said many families struggle with the high cost of medicines and problems with insurance coverage. Environmental problems, such as poor air quality, can also make asthma and allergies worse.

ACAAI is asking Congress to help make healthcare easier for patients. One major concern is prior authorization, when insurance companies require extra approval before patients can get medicine. This process can delay treatment for days or weeks.

Advocates also called for lower costs for asthma inhalers and better access to epinephrine for people with severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).

During the Congressional Lunch Briefing on Capitol Hill, ACAAI advocacy leader Wes Sublett spoke about problems caused by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and insurance companies. He said some insurance rules make it harder for patients to get the medicines they need.

Sublett discussed ongoing drug shortages and efforts to stop insurance companies from delaying or denying allergy treatments.

Sublett also voiced concerns about restructuring at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He warned that cuts to allergy and asthma research programs could slow medical innovation and limit patient access to future treatments.

ACAAI Executive Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs J. Allen Meadows, MD, was part of a panel discussion at the Congressional Lunch Briefing. He joined the National Health Council’s Jennifer Dexter and allergist and podcast host Payel Gupta, MD, in discussing insurance coverage and affordability issues, including pharmacy benefit manager reform (PBM) for doctors and patients alike.

Allergy & Asthma Network is grateful for ACAAI’s partnership and leadership in advancing patient advocacy during AADCH.

A woman stands at a podium, smiling and waving, with a microphone in front of her. A screen behind her displays her name, Elizabeth Elliot, RN, and event details for Allergy & Asthma Day at the Capitol Hill.
School nurse leader Elizabeth Elliott, RN, a member of Allergy & Asthma Network’s Board of Directors, spoke during the Congressional Lunch Briefing. She addressed the challenges schools face managing and treating children with asthma and severe allergies.

How You Can Stay Engaged and Involved

As AADCH 2026 concludes, advocacy efforts will continue throughout the year. Allergy & Asthma Network encourages patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and advocates to stay engaged. Contact lawmakers and support policies that improve access to affordable care and lifesaving medications.

The Patient Advocacy Leadership Initiative (PALI) hosts monthly webinars that engage advocates. PALI is a national program that builds a strong community of patient advocates. They learn how to speak with lawmakers and share their stories to shape better health policies at the local, state, and federal levels. Check out the PALI schedule of webinars.

Together, advocates can continue building momentum for meaningful change for the asthma and allergy community.

  • Three people in business attire stand together indoors, smiling at the camera. The person in the middle has arms crossed, while the two on either side stand with relaxed postures.
    From left: ACAAI President Cherie Zachary, MD and former ACAAI President James Tracy, MD are joined by AAAAI President Carla Davis, MD at an AADCH welcome reception.
  • A man in a suit and tie speaks at a podium with a microphone. Behind him is a presentation slide displaying various infographics. An audience member is visible in the foreground.
    “Wes Sublett, MD, ACAAI Chairman of Advocacy, speaks at the Congressional Lunch Briefing on Capitol Hill.
  • Three people, two men in suits and one woman wearing a black mask and striped pants, pose together and smile at an indoor event with other attendees socializing in the background.
    From left: Jeff Togal (advocate), Rachael Zinman (advocate), Paul Lim (BluePrint)
  • Two young women smiling and talking with an older man at an indoor event. One woman wears glasses and a light sweater, the other wears a black top and nametag. A background of plants and warm lighting is visible.
    From left: Adina Togal (Advocate), Ashley Baumann (advocate), Dr. Tracy
  • A young woman wearing a crown, sash, and bright dress smiles while sitting next to another woman in a patterned shirt. They are in a busy indoor setting with people in the background.
    From left: Miss Howard County Teen Volunteer, Ava Stephenson, at AADCH
  • A diverse group of professionally dressed women pose together indoors beside a display board with charts and statistics, smiling at the camera in a spacious, modern building.
     Social media advocates pose for a group photo at the annual Social Advocate Summit on May 5, the day before AADCH.
  • A man in a gray shirt smiles while talking to people at a social gathering, with TV screens displaying news in the background.
    Ashwin K. Shankar, MD
  • A woman in a navy blazer speaks at a podium with a sign reading "Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill." A large event banner and microphone are visible, and audience members are partially seen in the foreground.
     Nissa Shaffi, Head of Policy and Advocacy, welcomes advocates to AADCH.
  • A diverse group of people posing and smiling together at the Social Advocate Summit 2026, indoors, with a colorful event sign in the foreground and modern decor in the background.
  • A woman in a blue blazer stands and smiles in front of a presentation screen, with seated people in the foreground and blurred text visible behind her.
    Amber Pike, Miss Washington 2025 speaking at Social Advocate Summit
  • Two women stand side by side smiling at the camera. One wears a blue suit with a name badge, while the other wears a light pink jacket over a black dress. They appear to be at a professional event.
    Amber Pike, Miss Washington 2025 and Tori Martel at Social Advocate Summit
  • A woman with curly hair in a black blazer holds a coffee cup and speaks to a man at a conference table, with other people blurred in the background.
    Maureen Petersen, MD
  • Two women stand indoors, smiling and talking. One woman with glasses and reddish hair claps her hands, while the other woman with long dark hair stands beside her. A marble wall and stairs are visible in the background.
    Lynda Mitchell welcomes advocates.
  • Four people stand together indoors, smiling at the camera at what appears to be a professional or social event. Others can be seen seated in the blurred background.
    From left: Community Advocate, Lynda Mitchell, Deedar Singh, Brandon Tabata
  • Two women smiling and standing together at an indoor event; one wears a navy dress and glasses, the other wears a white dress. Both have name tags and appear to be attending a professional or social gathering.
    Lynda Mitchell and Huma Khan, MD at Social Advocate Summit
  • Three women stand together indoors, posing and smiling for a photo. The woman in the center holds a glass award. They are dressed in business attire and standing in a lobby area with modern decor.
    Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network, talks with Georgina Cornago and Nissa Shaffi, Head of Policy and Advocacy at Allergy & Asthma Network. Georgina is a longtime advocate for epinephrine preparedness legislation.
  • A group of people are socializing indoors. A man in a blue checked blazer is smiling while talking with others, as another man next to him gestures with his hand. The setting appears to be a professional or networking event.
    From left: Angel Melendez talks with other community advocates at A
  • An older man in a suit and red tie speaks into a microphone while gesturing with his hand, sitting at a table with a window showing trees in the background.
    J. Allen Meadows, MD, Executive Director of Advocacy & Government Affairs for ACAAI, discussed the need for pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) reform during a panel discussion.
  • Three people sit at a table during a panel discussion. The man in the center, smiling and wearing a suit and red tie, holds a microphone. Two women sit on either side of him, listening attentively.
    From left: Jennifer Dexter of the National Health Council, J. Allen Meadows, MD, of ACAAI and allergist and podcast host  Payel Gupta, MD, speak during a panel discussion at the Congressional Lunch Briefing.
  • Two women, one in a light jacket and the other in a dark blazer, are standing and smiling at each other in conversation. They appear to be at a professional or formal event.
    Allergy & Asthma Network’s Tori Martel with Nissa Shaffi during AADCH.
  • Two women smiling and taking a selfie together at an indoor event, surrounded by other people in the background. One woman is wearing a purple dress and holding a red phone.
    Nabeelah Khan and Juanita Mora, MD pose for a selfie
  • A woman in a plaid blazer sits at a table, smiling and holding a microphone while gesturing with her other hand. She appears to be speaking at an indoor event or panel discussion.
    Allergist Payel Gupta, MD joins a panel discussion at the Congressional Lunch Briefing
  • A woman in a white dress and black blazer stands next to a man in a blue checked blazer and light shirt. Both are smiling at the camera in a bright indoor social setting with people in the background.
  • Three women stand together smiling at a conference or meeting room. Two women wear black outfits, while the center woman wears a red blazer. People are seated and talking at tables in the background.
     Allergy & Asthma Network’s Sherrina Gibson, Ruthie Marker and Adeela Abbasi at the AADCH Breakfast Briefing.
  • A woman in a floral dress and purple cardigan speaks at a podium during the Social Advocate Summit 2026, holding a red folder and microphone. A summit poster is displayed in the background.
    Laurel Francoeur, Esq. speaking at Social Advocate Summit
  • Three people are smiling and posing together at an indoor event, each holding a drink. Two women stand on the left and a man in a suit stands on the right. Other people and a marble counter are visible in the background.
    From left: Kelly Fitzsimmons (Sanofi), De De Gardner, Brandon Tabata (Sanofi)
  • A woman wearing a "Miss" sash and a black dress smiles excitedly while talking to another woman in a red floral dress at an indoor event.
    Tess Ferm, Miss America’s Teen 2026 and Amber Pike, Miss Washington 2025
  • Two women smile and stand together in a conference room. One wears a purple floral dress and cardigan; the other wears a light blue dress and glasses. People are seated and a presentation screen is visible in the background.
    Laurel Francoeur, Esq. and De De Gardner
  • A woman stands at a podium, smiling and waving, with a microphone in front of her. A screen behind her displays her name, Elizabeth Elliot, RN, and event details for Allergy & Asthma Day at the Capitol Hill.
    School nurse leader Elizabeth Elliott, RN, a member of Allergy & Asthma Network’s Board of Directors, spoke during the Congressional Lunch Briefing. She addressed the challenges schools face managing and treating children with asthma and severe allergies.
  • A woman with long, wavy hair and glasses stands indoors, reading from a sheet of paper. She wears a gray short-sleeved blouse and a name tag, and stands near a microphone.
    Georgina Cornago gave a heartfelt testimonial about the loss of her son “Gio” to anaphylaxis in 2013. Georgina is a longtime advocate for epinephrine preparedness legislation and leads efforts on “Gio’s Law.
  • Two women smiling and posing together indoors; one wears a blue shirt with a vest and scarf, the other wears a bright pink dress. They stand by a counter with coffee dispensers and cups in a modern room.
    Food allergy advocate Georgina Cornago chats with allergist Juanita Mora, MD, at the AADCH Breakfast Briefing.
  • Five women stand together indoors, smiling at the camera. They are dressed in a mix of business and casual attire, with abstract artwork visible on the wall behind them.
     Georgina Cornago, Kamilah Howard of ARS Pharma, Juanita Mora, MD, Nabeelah Khan of ARS, and Marcela Gieminiani at the AADCH welcome reception.
  • A woman stands at a podium speaking during an event called "Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill." She gestures with one hand, and a sign with event sponsors is visible beside her.
    ACAAI President Cherie Zachary, MD, addresses the College’s advocacy initiatives during an AADCH Breakfast Briefing event.
  • A woman with curly blonde hair and glasses speaks at a podium labeled "Allergy & Asthma Day, Capitol Hill," while audience members watch and applaud. A black curtain hangs in the background.
    Lynda Mitchell, Allergy & Asthma Network CEO, welcomes advocates at the AADCH Breakfast Briefing.
  • A group of professionally dressed people are standing together indoors, engaged in conversation. One woman in the center is smiling, while others listen and talk to each other.
    Advocates network and plan for their day of advocacy at AADCH.
  • A large, diverse group of people smiles and waves at the camera in a spacious, modern conference room, suggesting a professional event or networking gathering. Tables, chairs, and a presentation screen are visible.
    AADCH advocates brave the weather for a group photo in front of the U.S. Capitol
  • A large group of people stand on the steps of a government building, holding umbrellas on a rainy day. The group appears diverse and is posing together, with the U.S. Capitol building visible in the background.
    AADCH advocates brave the weather for a group photo in front of the U.S. Capitol
  • A diverse group of people sits closely together in a conference room, attentively listening and applauding. Some hold papers and bags, and the atmosphere is focused and engaged.
    Advocates applaud speakers at the AADCH Congressional Lunch Briefing.

View or downlaod all the photos from AADCH 2026

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