Congress to Pass Spending for Food Allergy Research
On Dec. 16, 2019, Congress released a spending package to keep the government funded for 2020. This plan includes two big wins for food allergy research.
Advocating for Patients
On the Offense: NFL Player Demetrius Harris Tackles Food Allergies Both on the Field and Off
During the NFL games this week, Demetrius and other players will be wearing custom cleats designed to represent the charities they are passionate about. The cleats will be auctioned off with 100% of the money raised going to their chosen organizations. Because of his son’s allergy to peanuts, Demetrius will have Kids With Food Allergies (KFA) represented on his cleats designed by Ryan Bare SR Customs.
Food Allergy Advocates Meet With Senate About Epinephrine Auto-Injectors on Planes
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) is working with like-minded groups and community members to find the best way to get epinephrine auto-injectors stocked on airplanes in the United States. Today, our government affairs representative, Mark Vieth, attended a Senate meeting on epinephrine auto-injectors on airplanes. This is a policy priority for AAFA and its food allergy division, Kids With Food Allergies.
It’s Complicated: Epinephrine Auto-Injectors on Planes
Air travel with food allergies can be complicated. Each airline has different food allergy policies, if they have any at all. Because of this, it is important for people with food allergies to have easy access to epinephrine in case of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis [anna-fih-LACK-sis] while in the air. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) advocates for airlines to stock epinephrine auto-injectors on planes.
AAFA Explains Potential Halloween Hazards for Kids With Food Allergies
Halloween is typically a time for kids to let their imaginations run wild and have fun with friends but for kids with severe food allergies, trick-or-treating can be difficult and dangerous. Children may accidentally encounter candy that can trigger an allergic reaction. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is working to ensure there is greater awareness and proper labeling to prevent allergic reactions.
Parenting + Food Allergies: The Social, Emotional and Financial Impact on Families (Video)
On Sept. 26, 2019, Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), co-hosted a Facebook Live session with blogger Deva Dalporto of MyLifeSuckers. If you didn’t have a chance to tune in live, you can watch a replay of session. Kids With Food Allergies (KFA) is a division of AAFA.
AAFA Brings Patient Voice to FDA Committee Review on Palforzia, Oral Immunotherapy Treatment for Peanut Allergy
On Sept. 13, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Allergenic Products Advisory Committee recommended the approval of Aimmune Therapeutics’ peanut treatment, Palforzia. If approved, Palforzia would be ground-breaking for the future of food allergy treatments. What Is Palforzia? Palforzia, also known as AR101, is a type of oral immunotherapy (OIT) for peanut allergy. If approved, it would be the first FDA-approved treatment for peanut allergy. Currently, some allergists already...
New York Governor Signs Elijah’s Law to Prevent Severe Food Allergy Reactions in Child Day Care Programs
On Sept. 12, 2019, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Elijah's Law (S.218B/A.6971B). Under this law, New York child day care programs have to follow guidelines for preventing and responding to severe food allergy reactions.
2019 State Honor Roll: Does Your State Have Policies to Protect Children With Food Allergies and Asthma?
States that have policies in place to protect children with allergies and asthma made our 2019 State Honor Roll™ of Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools (SHR). In the SHR, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) identifies states that have comprehensive laws and policies aimed at keeping children with asthma and allergies healthy at school. (KFA is a division of AAFA.)
My Life With Food Allergy Report: Assessing the Effects of Food Allergy on Families
Our report – the My Life With Food Allergy: Parent Survey Report – gives a summary of the emotional, social and financial impact on the parent or caregiver of a child with food allergies. Read more about the findings.
New Illinois Law: Insurance Companies Must Cover Epinephrine Injectors for Children
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed a law on Aug. 9, 2019, that would require health insurance policies in his state to cover epinephrine injectors for children 18 and younger. House Bill 3435 will be effective on Jan. 1, 2020.
New Study Shows Sesame Allergy May Be More Common Than Some Top 8 Food Allergies
Recently, the FDA has been asking for more data to support adding sesame to the list of top food allergens. A new study titled “Prevalence and Severity of Sesame Allergy in the United States” has been released by the JAMA Network today in response to the FDA’s request.
Facebook Live: New Food Allergy Treatments
Join Dr. Katie Freidman of Forever Freckled and Kenny Mendez, President and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Kids With Food Allergies, a division of AAFA, for a Facebook Live discussion around what parents need to know about new treatments for kids with food allergies, in particular, peanut allergy. Thursday, July 25, 2019, at 1:30 – 2 pm ET.
New York Residents: Ask Governor Cuomo to Sign Gio's Law
Gio's Law, S3247B, would authorize certain New York emergency service providers to be trained to treat anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction, and carry epinephrine in their vehicles. Gio's Law is named after Giovanni Cipriano. Giovanni passed away unexpectedly at age 14 after an allergic reaction. Tell New York Governor Cuomo to sign Gio's Law.
New York Residents: Ask New York Governor Cuomo to Sign Elijah’s Law
Elijah’s Law, A6971B, is a bill recently passed by the New York State Assembly and Senate aimed at preventing another tragedy like Elijah's. It is now waiting to be signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. The bill would require anaphylaxis policies for child day care centers. New York State residents can use this tool to tell New York's governor to support Elijah’s Law.