Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill

Allergy & Asthma Network invites patients, families, caregivers, health professionals and industry partners from across the country to join us each year for Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill (AADCH).

During AADCH, advocates visit Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staff. They discuss federal legislative and regulatory issues, share personal stories of managing their condition, and urge passage of legislation affecting people with asthma, allergies and related conditions. Advocates often represent the patient voice at these meetings.

In addition, every year Allergy & Asthma Network hosts a Congressional Lunch Briefing during AADCH. The briefing, available via livestream for those not able to attend in person, is one of the signature events of AADCH. Members of Congress are often in attendance to speak about asthma, allergies and other health issues.

General Schedule of Events:

May 2
5-6:30 pm        Welcome Reception

May 3
7-8:30 am         Breakfast Briefing
9-5 pm              Hill Meetings
12-1 pm            Congressional Lunch Briefing*

*Invited speakers represent:

• Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
• National Medical Association – Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Section
• Patient testimonials

Highlights from May 3-4, 2022 AADCH:

• 50 advocates attended in person (limited due to COVID-19 precautions) and participated in 75+ meetings with members of Congress on May 4
• Nearly 350 advocates attended virtually and sent 290+ letters and emails to members of Congress on May 4
• Advocates urged support for legislation to expand CDC’s National Asthma Control Program to all 50 states
• 2022 Policy Priorities included:

1. 1. expand access to medical care and innovative treatments;
   2. extend funding for asthma and allergy program funding for federal agencies;
   3. reduce risks in asthma and allergy emergencies;
   4. reduce environmental health hazards to support lung health and health equity;
   5. support COVID-19 prevention and treatment.

• At the Congressional Lunch Briefing, advocates learned about the Asthma Management Guidelines focused update released in 2020, the importance of home interventions for asthma control, and ongoing research.