Allergy & Asthma Network Supports Proposed Funding for National Asthma Control Program
Published: January 21, 2026
FAIRFAX, VA, JANUARY 21, 2026 – Allergy & Asthma Network CEO Lynda Mitchell issued the following statement on recent federal budget proposals that include funding for asthma control programs:
Allergy & Asthma Network is pleased the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2026, which includes the U.S. House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies “minibus”, calls for 33.5 million in funding for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Asthma Control Program.
The NACP currently funds 29 state asthma control programs and four non-governmental organizations to promote evidence-based asthma strategies through patient-oriented and clinician-oriented education and multi-sector partnerships.
In 2025, the NACP faced significant threats to funding, including substantial staff cuts that nearly dissolved the program entirely. This absence of funding would have jeopardized vital state-level asthma management programs, including the CDC EXHALE program, a framework of six key strategies to manage asthma and reduce emergency visits for children and adults.
Asthma is a chronic disease affecting over 28 million Americans, including 6.7 million children. At the federal level, it has been meaningfully addressed through the NACP. We are encouraged that both chambers of Congress have called for an updated assessment of the national economic burden of asthma, including data on prevalence, costs, absenteeism, and mortality.
Asthma impacts not only public health but also workplace and school productivity. By including funding to support updated economic data, Congress is taking a necessary step toward reducing asthma-related hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and overall healthcare costs. The data is essential for resource allocation, population-specific interventions, and effective public health communication strategies.
We also call on Congress to approve the funding proposals and secure ongoing support for those who rely on the NACP’s vital programs and resources.
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.
