VIENNA, VA, May 9, 2018 – Asthma affects more than 22 million Americans and the disease crosses all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups, but it’s more common among African-American, Hispanic and Native American populations, particularly those in low-income urban areas. These asthma disparities are among the key issues Allergy & Asthma Network will address at its 21st annual Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill (#AADCH2018) on Wednesday, May 9.
As part of #AADCH2018, patients, families, healthcare providers, industry professionals and patient advocates will join Allergy & Asthma Network in canvassing Capitol Hill to urge Congress to expand access to safe, effective and affordable healthcare, especially for those experiencing a greater burden of asthma. The Network will also host a special Congressional Lunch Briefing addressing key asthma and allergy issues.
“Many factors impact asthma health disparities, from income level and education inequality to increased exposure to environmental allergens and irritants,” says Tonya Winders, President and CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “These patients are more likely to miss medical appointments, delay their care or forgo medication use, leading to poorer health outcomes. Expanding education initiatives and continuing asthma research are key in addressing health disparities.”
At #AADCH2018, asthma and allergy advocates meet with members of Congress and their staff to raise awareness and discuss policies to end the needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions. Allergy & Asthma Network has scheduled more than 100 visits.
Check out our complete list of 2018 Policy Priorities at our Advocacy Website.
In addition, the Network continues to support maintaining current U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) rules for allergen immunotherapy extracts. More than 4,200 allergists nationally prepare and administer allergy immunotherapy extracts to their patients. USP is proposing a change to Chapter 797 on sterile compounding to remove a special exception rule allowing allergists to prepare extracts in their office. This could result in millions losing access to immunotherapy.
At the Congressional Briefing, the co-chairs of the Congressional Asthma & Allergy Caucus, Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH), are expected to speak. Allergist and immunologist Bradley Chipps, MD, President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, will address the State of Asthma and Allergy in the United States. Randall Brown, MD, Center for Chronic Disease Management, University of Michigan and Bruce Bender, PhD, National Jewish Health, Denver, will address disparities in allergy and asthma.
#AADCH2018 concludes with a networking reception at the Kimpton Palomar Hotel (2121 P Street NW) in Washington, D.C., During the reception, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will present the annual EPA National Environmental Leadership Awards in Asthma Management to two deserving programs.
Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
7:00 am – 8:30 am
Breakfast Briefing
Kimpton Hotel Palomar
2121 P St NW, Washington, DC
Prepare for Congressional visits and review advocacy priorities.
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Capitol Hill Visits
Meet with Members of Congress and staff individually or in a group. (Meetings will be scheduled based on attendee’s congressional district when registering unless prior arrangements made.)
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Congressional Lunch Briefing
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2168 (Gold Room)
75 C Street SW, Washington, DC
Hear from Congressional Asthma & Allergy Caucus leaders, patients and families, patient advocates and industry leaders on key issues addressing asthma and allergy. **Free lunch will be provided**
Speakers include:
- Tonya Winders, President and CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network
- Bradley Chipps, MD, President of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)
- Topic: The State of Asthma and Allergy in the United States
- Randall Brown, MD, Center for Chronic Disease Management, University of Michigan
- Topic: Addressing Disparities in Allergy and Asthma
- Bruce Bender, PhD, National Jewish Health, Denver
- Topic: Asthma in the Native American Population
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Networking Reception
Kimpton Hotel Palomar DC
Meet with fellow advocates, healthcare professionals and industry leaders in an informal gathering.
AADCH Sponsors
ALK-Abello; American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; AstraZeneca; Boehringer Ingelheim; Boston Scientific; GlaxoSmithKline; Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Mylan Specialty LP; Novartis; Sanofi Genzyme; TEVA Respiratory
810304 Eaton Place, Suite 100