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 for Allergy & Asthma Day Capitol Hill (AADCH) in Washington, DC.

During AADCH, advocates visit Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress and their staff to…

• Discuss federal legislative and regulatory issues.

• Share personal stories of managing their condition.

• Urge passage of legislation affecting people with asthma, allergies, and related conditions.

Our advocates represent the patient voice at these meetings to ensure their needs are addressed in legislation.

In addition, Allergy & Asthma Network hosts a Congressional Lunch Briefing, one of the signature events of AADCH. Members of Congress are often in attendance to speak about asthma, allergies, and other health issues, and to support our policy priorities.

Invited speakers at the Congressional Lunch Briefing represented:

• Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus

• Patient testimonials

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

• American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI)

Highlights from May 8, 2024 AADCH:

• 100+ advocates attended in person and participated in 130 meetings with members of Congress on May 8.
• 914 advocates participated in our online campaign, sending 2,100+ emails to members of Congress from May 8-12
• Our 2024 Policy Priorities included:
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 5 key bills: Safe Step Act, HELP Copays Act, Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act, Dillon’s Law and the EPIPEN Act. Check out asthma and allergy legislation we support and take action today!
• At the Congressional Lunch Briefing, advocates heard from two young food allergy advocates who are making a difference in their home states. Speakers discussed efforts to make asthma medications more affordable, the impact of prior authorization on patients, why expanded access to asthma and allergy care for low-income and under-resourced communities is critical for health equity, efforts to address indoor air quality, and ongoing research involving allergic diseases.