Even though more than 60 million Americans have asthma and allergies, many people still don’t understand what it’s like to manage with these conditions.

Each May since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to teaching others about asthma and allergies to create more awareness and understanding.

We also want to help people see beyond asthma and allergies. This year, we aim to do just that through our themes, “More Than Asthma” and “More Than Food Allergies.” We want to tell people about asthma and allergies, how they can affect you and how we can all work together to overcome them – in ways both big and small.

Help us spread awareness during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. There are several ways you can get involved to show people you are more than your asthma and allergies.

Educate Others About Asthma and Allergies

Social media is a great way to get the word out. We have asthma and allergy awareness graphics and ready-to-tweet messages you can easily share throughout May.

May 12-18, 2019, is also Food Allergy Awareness Week. During this week, AAFA and our division Kids With Food Allergies (KFA) will be promoting food allergy awareness. Better food allergy awareness helps create more safe, inclusive classrooms and workspaces and helps reduce food allergy bullying. We have food allergy awareness graphics and messages as well.

When you share awareness messages, use the hashtags #morethanasthma and #morethanfoodallergies.

Be a Part of Our Photo Sharing Contests

We want to help people see beyond asthma and allergies through photos. So be a part of our photo contests to tell us all about you. Maybe you’re a teacher, artist, athlete or musician. Or maybe your child is a math whiz, dancer, future pilot or adventurer. We want to know what makes you and your child unique.

If your photo is chosen, you could win a prize pack with AAFA or KFA gear and CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products to help you create a healthier home.

The More Than Asthma Photo Sharing Contest runs May 1-31, 2019. The More Than Food Allergies Photo Sharing Contest runs May 12-18, 2019.

Take an Online Course

If you would like to know more about managing asthma, severe asthma and food allergies, take one of our free online courses at aafa.org/learn. Your family and friends or your child’s caregivers can take the courses too.

Participate in Research

When you play a role in research, experts can create better treatments based on what is important to you. Take this month to learn more about patient-centered research and join AAFA’s online community to get alerts about upcoming research opportunities. Also consider joining a clinical trial near you.

Advocate for People With Asthma and Allergies

There are several ways you can take a stand for people with asthma and allergies. One way is by letting lawmakers know we need more protections for people with asthma and allergies. Join our online community to receive information on important issues, such as animals on planes, sesame labeling and albuterol in schools.

Support AAFA’s Mission

AAFA is dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education and research. You are a part of that mission too. Your donations help make what we offer possible so people with asthma and allergies can live full lives. You can get involved in National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month by supporting AAFA’s mission.

Think of how great it would be if everyone had a better understanding of asthma and allergies. We could have more asthma and allergy friendly classrooms and workplaces. We could reduce food allergy bullying. We could have better legislation for cleaner air, safer travel and food labeling. Join us this May in teaching others about asthma and allergies while helping them see how we call all work together to overcome these conditions.