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 is one of the signature events of AADCH. Members of Congress are often in attendance to speak about asthma, allergies and other health issues.

Invited speakers at Congressional Lunch Briefing represent:

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

Highlights from May 2023 AADCH:

• 100+ advocates attended in person and participated in 90+ meetings with members of Congress on May 3.
• A record-setting 1,500+ advocates participated in our online campaign, sending 3,500 emails to members of Congress from May 2-5.
• 2023 Policy Priorities included:

1. 1. Improve access to safe, affordable medical care and innovative treatments.
   2. Maintain asthma and allergy funding for programs supported by federal agencies.
   3. Reduce health risks for asthma and severe allergy emergencies.
   4. Reduce environmental health hazards to support lung health.
   5. Improve health equity.

• Advocates urged members of Congress to support 4 key bills: Safe Step Act, HELP Copays Act, Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act and One School One Nurse Act. Check out asthma and allergy legislation we support and take action today!
• Advocates also urged federal agencies and Congress to clarify sesame allergy labeling as part of the FASTER Act, which became law in January 2023.
• At the Congressional Lunch Briefing, advocates heard about efforts to make medications more affordable, the impact of climate change, the importance of increasing Black representation in the field of allergy and immunology, and ongoing research involving genetics and allergic diseases.