According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergic diseases affect up to 50 million Americans. While some allergies are merely a nuisance, others can be life-threatening. Allergy associations typically offer guidance and resources for those who have been diagnosed with allergies as well as raise awareness of allergies and their possible complications. For many allergy associations, one of the main goals is to help further medical research that focuses on allergies.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Established in 1953, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is a national organization with nine regional chapters. Originally called the American Foundation for Allergic Diseases, the foundation changed its name in the 1970s to incorporate the close relationship between allergies and asthma. AAFA partners with local clinics to increase distribution of its educational materials. Features of the website include "Ask the Allergist," a free service that enables consumers to email questions to an allergist, and "Allergy Alerts," a collection of product recalls that are related to food allergy ingredients.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
Severe food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was founded by Anne Muñoz-Furlong, a mother who was concerned about her daughter's food allergies and the lack of information that was readily available to help parents. FAAN has been involved in public policy initiatives such as the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, a law that regulates food labels so that common food allergens are clearly declared. In partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and other organizations, FAAN has supported multiple research initiatives and symposiums.
American Latex Allergy Association
The mission of the American Latex Allergy Association is "to create awareness of latex allergy through education and to provide support to individuals who have been diagnosed with latex allergy." The foundation works with health care facilities and other employers to reduce employees' latex exposure and to develop appropriate latex allergy policies. It has also developed guidelines for schools and emergency care situations.
Food Allergy Initiative
Established in 1998, the stated goal of the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) is "to fund research that seeks a cure; to improve diagnosis and treatment; and to keep patients safe through education and advocacy." Research that FAI has sponsored includes Learning Early About Peanut Allergy (LEAP), and the development of a Chinese herbal therapy that is under clinical trial.
