Allergy & Asthma Network Applauds Congressional Funding for the National Asthma Control Program
Published: February 5, 2026
FAIRFAX, VA, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 – Allergy & Asthma Network CEO Lynda Mitchell issued the following statement on recently approved Congressional appropriations that include the reinstatement of asthma control programs.
Allergy & Asthma Network applauds Congress for approving funding for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Asthma Control Program (NACP) in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026.
“After a tumultuous year of uncertain funding for the NACP, we are thrilled and relieved that this vital program will continue to provide support for asthma education, mitigation, and symptom management,” says Lynda Mitchell, CEO, Allergy & Asthma Network. “Without this essential funding, programs such as CDC EXHALE would be destabilized or dissolved entirely, leaving patients without key tools to manage their asthma. The CDC EXHALE program is an important public health program that is part of the NACP. It is designed to help reduce or prevent the emergency department visits, hospitalizations and deaths due to asthma.”
Asthma is a chronic condition disease affecting more than 28 million Americans, including 6.7 million children. It is a condition that not only affects quality of life but also can cause financial burden. Loss of work productivity, missed school days, and premature death are linked to the disease.
The NACP funds 29 state asthma control programs and four non-governmental organizations. It promotes evidence-based asthma management strategies through patient- and clinician-oriented education and multi-sector partnerships.
The Network is also pleased that Congress has approved funding for updated economic data to help promote the needs of the asthma community. This data will help support targeted asthma interventions across states. “We are encouraged to see asthma included as a national healthcare priority,” Mitchell adds.
Funding in the legislation will last until September 2026. Consistent appropriations help ensure stability of the NACP. Allergy & Asthma Network calls on Congress to continue its support and approve funding of this important program through 2027 and beyond.
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.
