Join the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) in celebrating Black History Month.

In February, we take the time to reflect and celebrate the achievements of Black people in the United States throughout this nation’s history. Our Black communities and leadership across this nation continue to innovate, advocate for, and lead major efforts in improving the health of people living with asthma, allergies, and allergic conditions.

While honoring the progress made, AAFA continues to work toward better health outcomes for our Black communities facing health inequities in the United States.

The stark reality is that nearly 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma. The burden still falls disproportionately on Black people in the U.S. – along with Hispanic and Indigenous people. These populations experience the highest asthma rates, deaths, and hospitalizations.

What Can Be Done?

Supporting AAFA’s mission helps support local initiatives – like our Health Equity Advancement and Leadership (HEAL) program – empower local communities to improve their health. HEAL provides asthma management education, home assessments to reduce asthma and allergy triggers, helps make connections to specialists, and more.

Since HEAL’s inception, over 250 people now manage their asthma better in communities like Detroit, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. This means fewer emergency department visits, better sleep, and more opportunities to enjoy school and attend work. Most of the people in these local programs identify as Black women.

Resources

AAFA works closely with program advisors from the Black community who also live with asthma and allergies. In 2024, AAFA’s Black Women’s Asthma Alliance created a private Facebook group for Black women who live with asthma and their caregivers. This group provides a supportive and educational community to ask questions, learn more about asthma care, and meet others. Join the Facebook group: aafa.org/joinbwaa  

Join Us

Join AAFA and stay connected for opportunities to share your patient and caregiver voice. AAFA provides educational resources, local and national advocacy opportunities, research updates and opportunities, and community support.