Allergy & Asthma Network’s Tori Martel Wins National Honor

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A person stands smiling in a busy urban plaza, holding a clear trophy. Tall buildings and electronic billboards surround the area, with people walking and a cyclist pedaling through. The sky is overcast.

Allergy & Asthma Network is honored to once again earn recognition for its commitment to community outreach, health equity and fostering new nonprofit leadership. The national nonprofit won one award and was named a finalist for another at the Ragan Communications and PR Daily CSR & Diversity Awards for 2024.

Tori Martel, MPH, Senior Public Health Communications Manager at Allergy & Asthma Network, earned the Nonprofit Communications Rising Star of the Year award. She was among the winners announced at an Awards Luncheon on Sept. 27, 2024, in New York City.

Allergy & Asthma Network’s national Trusted Messengers Community Outreach Program to address health inequities was a finalist for an award for Public Health or Safety Initiative.

“We congratulate Tori – this is a well-deserved recognition of her hard work, passion and commitment to advancing our mission,” says Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “Tori’s ability to elevate our messaging and connect with our community in meaningful ways is truly inspiring.”

“Winning the Nonprofit Communications Rising Star of the Year award is an incredible honor,” Tori says. “It is a testament to my passion about using the power of communication to connect, educate, and empower people through making complex medical information accessible to all. It is so important to create messaging that not only informs but also empowers people to take control of their health, especially in underserved communities.”

Lynda added: “Recognition for the Trusted Messengers program shines a spotlight on our work to reduce disparities in healthcare. Our goal is to empower all communities with the tools they need to thrive, through health screenings, surveys, resources and asthma coaching. We are committed to making a lasting impact on health equity nationwide.”

Nonprofit Communications Rising Star of the Year

As Senior Public Health Communications Manager, Tori is responsible for overseeing the organization’s social media platforms, as well as various digital initiatives and projects.

She recently spearheaded the “Roots & Resilience” digital campaign. The project includes a series of video interviews with African Americans living with food allergies. It addresses how they avoid food allergens in unique situations, such as at the barber shop or hair salon.

“The power of listening drives what I do,” Tori says. “By truly understanding the needs, concerns and experiences of the communities we serve, I can develop content that resonates on a personal level and has a meaningful impact.”

Tori has a Master of Public Health degree from Tufts University School of Medicine with a concentration in Behavioral Science and Health Communication. She uses her academic knowledge of public health to develop content that informs and inspires people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions.

A large screen displays images from a CSR & Diversity Awards event, showcasing community projects and participants in matching blue shirts. The screen is set in an elegant room with chandeliers and people seated at tables.

National Trusted Messengers Program to Address Health Inequities

Allergy & Asthma Network prioritizes health equity in all its programs and initiatives. It drives everything the organization works on, particularly the Trusted Messengers Community Outreach Program.

The Trusted Messengers program partners with community groups that host health fairs and events nationwide. Our team of certified asthma educators attends the health fairs to provide free health assessments and patient education resources. The health fairs are primarily in communities that are underserved.

Following the health fair, adults with asthma who met with our asthma educators are then invited to enroll in a free virtual asthma coaching program. Participants meet 1-on-1 with an asthma educator to provide strategies and advice on asthma self-management and how to prepare for doctor appointments. Research shows the program improves asthma self-management and quality of life for those who complete the program.

The Trusted Messengers 2024 schedule includes at least 20 community events in areas with a high burden of asthma. These locations include New York City, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Washington, DC.

The Trusted Messengers program would not be possible without the generous support of founding sponsor Sanofi, as well as Amgen, AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Genentech, GSK, Johnson & Johnson Innovations, Novartis and Regeneron.