What is health equity?<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What Is Health Equity?” module_id=”healthequity” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Health equity means a fair chance for everyone to be healthy. If a health condition, like asthma or allergies, affects one group of people differently than another group, it is a health disparity.<\/p>\n People from different backgrounds face different challenges in getting healthcare. Our goal is to remove these barriers so all people with asthma and allergic diseases get the care they need.<\/p>\n We know that asthma and allergic diseases affect some groups more than others. Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous people experience higher rates of asthma, deaths, and hospitalizations than others. People with low incomes also struggle more with these conditions.<\/p>\n These differences happen because of many factors, including:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – AAFA’s Commitment to Health Equity” module_id=”commitment” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Promoting health equity is a core value and mission-critical priority of AAFA.<\/p>\n AAFA believes everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. We acknowledge the harmful impact of systemic barriers that prevent individuals and communities from achieving their full health potential. \u00a0AAFA is committed to achieving health equity and improving health outcomes for medically under-resourced people with asthma and allergies. We will do this together by improving access to quality health care, supporting health education, investing in more inclusive research, and engaging in community-based solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n In May 2022, AAFA launched the Health Equity Advancement and Leadership (HEAL) initiative to address findings from our Asthma Disparities in America report. That report detailed wide gaps in asthma prevalence, access to care, and health outcomes, and offered strategies to address racial and ethnic inequities. HEAL supports working with communities that bear the heaviest burden of asthma.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – HEAL Grant Awards” module_id=”healgrantawards” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As part of AAFA\u2019s HEAL initiative, AAFA funds local interventions (programs) through our HEAL grant awards. This multi-year collaborative project combines AAFA\u2019s national leadership with the knowledge and action of local communities.<\/p>\n Starting in 2022, AAFA began providing funding and support to local programs across the U.S. These local programs save lives, reduce asthma symptoms, and improve the quality of life of people at higher risk and most impacted by asthma and allergic diseases.<\/p>\n 2022-2023<\/strong><\/p>\n In the first round of awards, AAFA supported programs in Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, and St. Louis. These programs focused on helping adolescents and adults with asthma. While many asthma programs already exist for children, there are not many for adults. Using best practices from pediatric programs, the HEAL sites developed adult and adolescent programs to meet the unique needs of this population.<\/p>\n AAFA keeps working with these programs to track progress. The goal is to help local communities find long-term funding from insurance companies and other health partners in the future.<\/p>\n The first year of AAFA\u2019s HEAL program was supported by a $1 million sponsorship from Amgen.<\/p>\n Press Release: AAFA Launches New Health Equity Initiative for Communities Facing Highest Burden of Asthma<\/a><\/p>\n 2023-2024<\/strong><\/p>\n In the second round of awards, AAFA funded two new programs in New York and Alabama. The Detroit HEAL program was also expanded for a second year.<\/p>\n The New York program supports Hispanic communities in the Bronx and nearby areas with a Community Health Worker-focused program. High-poverty neighborhoods in the South Bronx\u2014home to predominantly Hispanic and Black residents\u2014continue to experience some of the highest asthma death rates and disease burdens in New York City.<\/p>\n In Alabama, the program will grow its virtual home visit services for youth ages 11\u201315 and their families. The program also offers easy-to-understand asthma education and tools to help control asthma.<\/p>\n To better reach rural communities, the program created a statewide network of Community Health Workers trained to support families managing asthma. These workers partner with schools, local and state health departments, and other organizations across Alabama to improve asthma care in areas that need it most.<\/p>\n The second phase of AAFA\u2019s HEAL program is supported by ACAAI, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Genentech, Sanofi, Regeneron, and Viatris.<\/p>\n Press Release: AAFA Announces New Health Equity Program Sites Serving Communities Facing Highest Burden of Asthma and Allergic Diseases<\/a><\/p>\n 2025-2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n For the third round of awards, AAFA supported three additional programs: expansion of the Detroit HEAL program to a statewide (Michigan) model, support for the NYC program for ongoing CHW support to households, and a new program in Allentown, Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n AAFA\u2019s Asthma Capitals\u2122<\/a> report identifies the U.S. cities where it is hardest to live with asthma. In 2024 and 2025, Allentown, Pennsylvania, was ranked as the #1 and #3 most challenging city for people with asthma.<\/p>\n AAFA supports the Allentown community through the EASE Allentown: Empowering Asthma Self-Management and Education program. This community-based asthma management program supports older adults with asthma.<\/p>\n Press Release: Asthma Capitals\u2122 Report Drives Policy Change Agenda<\/a><\/p>\n The third phase of AAFA\u2019s HEAL program is supported by Chiesi, Genentech, Sanofi, Regeneron, and Viatris.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – HEAL Impact” module_id=”healimpact” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Though the HEAL interventions are ongoing, enrollment and evaluation data to date show that HEAL is reaching and serving people experiencing a disproportionate burden of asthma. HEAL intentionally supports populations most affected by asthma disparities\u2014including Black and Hispanic communities, as well as those who have low-income or rely on Medicaid. Current HEAL site participant data highlight this focus:<\/p>\n Across all HEAL sites, program participants complete a voluntary self-reported survey at baseline, and then again once they have been in the program for 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The survey collects data including:<\/p>\n Validated assessments confirm these self-reported improvements. Using the Asthma Impairment and Risk Questionnaire (AIRQ\u2122), participants\u2019 average score improved from 4.1 at baseline to 2.8 at 6 months, showing a clear shift toward better asthma control.<\/p>\n HEAL provides measurable health equity benefits\u2014improving asthma control, restoring productivity, and helping more people with asthma live healthier, fuller lives.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Header – Patient Success Stories and News ” module_id=”patientstories” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” admin_label=”Accordions – Patient Success Stories and News” module_class=”accord” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed Accordion” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display:none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”June: Detroit” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n June is a Detroit resident in her 70s. June estimates she\u2019s taken up to 100 trips to the Emergency Room in her lifetime because of her asthma. Thanks to HEAL she was referred to an allergist to help manage her asthma. With hew resources, knowledge, and medication, her asthma is now better controlled and she lives a more active lifestyle.<\/p>\n Read more about June and the Detroit HEAL program at the links below.<\/p>\n June stands next to her Asthma & Allergy Friendly\u00ae Certified donated products<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Sherida: Los Angeles” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Sherida is one of the many Black women living with asthma in the U.S. Her self-advocacy and commitment to health education are encouraging for anyone living with severe asthma. Sherida, like many other women, was more likely to be diagnosed with asthma in adulthood than men. Sherida also has a strong family history of asthma, which can be an additional risk factor for a diagnosis. Sherida\u2019s doctor referred her to Breathe Southern California\u2019s (Breathe SoCal) Breathe Easier Asthma Management (BEAM) program. Breathe SoCal is one of AAFA\u2019s HEAL sites\u00a0that works to improve health outcomes locally.<\/p>\n You can read more about Sherida\u2019s story in the link below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”La Fondria: St. Louis” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n From the time she was a child, La Fondria recalls having trouble breathing. Her\u00a0asthma symptoms<\/a>\u00a0were often brought on by strong scents or\u00a0cigarette smoke.<\/a><\/p>\n La Fondria spoke with her doctors many times about her trouble breathing. After much self-advocacy, she was diagnosed with asthma and given a\u00a0quick-relief inhaler<\/a>.<\/p>\n At first, that seemed to be enough. She experienced better breathing and could manage her symptoms. While La Fondria felt she had her asthma under control, she often wondered if there was more to asthma management than using just a quick-relief inhaler. La Fondria later found the Asthma Care for Older Adults program in St. Louis through the HEAL program. The program helped her learn about tools to manage her asthma, such as an Asthma Action Plan<\/a>. She also received products through the program that helped improve her indoor air quality and reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so glad I kept looking for answers,\u201d La Fondria said. \u201cAnd I would encourage anyone to take advantage of a program like HEAL. My life was great before, but it\u2019s even better now that I have all the tools to manage my asthma.\u201d<\/p>\n You can read more about La Fondria\u2019s story and the HEAL St. Louis program in the links below.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Vera: Chicago” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Vera was in her 70s when she finally received an\u00a0asthma diagnosis<\/a>. And it wasn\u2019t until a few years later that she found the asthma management answers she\u2019d been seeking for most of her life.<\/p>\n Vera found HEAL by way of the Chicago chapter of the American Lung Association and was connected with the Adults and Adolescents with Asthma Initiative (AAAI). Vera is now approaching 80 and living life with her chronic condition under control. She credits the resources she received through the program for helping with the final pieces of her asthma management puzzle.<\/p>\n You can read more about Vera\u2019s story at the link below.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Select Presentations” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”] A research poster presented at the 2024 National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) annual conference in Detroit about reducing asthma deaths and illness among high-risk populations through a national program with community-driven actions.<\/p><\/div>[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Health Equity Sites and Collaborations” module_id=”sites” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n AAFA supports and works with local community organizations and groups, including hospital systems, state asthma control programs, housing advocates, and more across the nation. These programs serve populations at the highest risk of having asthma, needing emergency medical care, or even dying from asthma.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Header – HEAL Grant Awards” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” admin_label=”Accordions – HEAL Grant Awards” module_class=”accord” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed Accordion” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display:none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Alabama” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Led by the Virtual Young Teen Asthma & Wellness Camp<\/a>\u00a0and the Alabama Asthma Coalition, the HEAL Alabama Asthma Ambassadors program is the first statewide HEAL initiative. The program expanded an existing virtual model by adding in-home asthma management visits and enhanced health education. The program also developed a community health worker network to address rural health disparities. This work is carried out alongside schools, local and state health departments, and other organizations and partners across Alabama.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Allentown” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA is supporting the Allentown community by collaborating with the Health Promotion Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania<\/a> (HPC).\u00a0 The EASE Allentown (Empowering Asthma Self-Management and Education) program uses an innovative outreach approach, working alongside the local health department and emergency medical services to serve older adults living with asthma and other chronic health conditions.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Chicago” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA and the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago launched a pilot program for adults and adolescents with asthma. The Environmental Improvements for Adolescents and Adults with Asthma (EIAAA) program includes asthma education, home visits, and other resources for families managing asthma in the Chicago area. AAFA and the Lung Association are members of the\u00a0Chicago Asthma Consortium.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Detroit & Michigan Expansion” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA supported the AAFA Michigan Chapter (AAFA-MI)<\/a> for three rounds of its pilot HEAL program. This successful, multi-faceted initiative helps improve asthma control by focusing on overall health and wellness, increasing access to specialty care, and assessing home environments for asthma triggers. The program uses AAFA\u2019s ASTHMA Care for Adults<\/a>\u00a0curriculum for self-management education. In its first two years, the program focused on the Detroit area and later expanded to serve communities across the state.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Los Angeles” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA supported Breathe Southern California\u2019s (Breathe SoCal) launch of its Breathe Easier\u2122 Asthma Management (BEAM)\u00a0<\/a>program. The program supports the needs of adults with asthma in underserved communities of Southeast Los Angeles County. Interventions include asthma management education and home visits with an asthma educator. When California\u2019s\u00a0 Department of Health Care Services launched CalAIM (California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal), BEAM expanded to include asthma home remediation services delivered by community-based organizations. \u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”New York City” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA supported AIRnyc<\/a> in developing a year-long asthma care intervention tailored for Hispanic families in the Bronx and surrounding areas. Building on a pilot that connected 50 families with asthma education, care, and social services, AIRnyc has a long history of improving health outcomes and reducing disparities in NYC. For over 20 years, its Community Health Workers have delivered in-home support to families with asthma and complex needs. Collaborating with health systems, Managed Care Organizations, and community partners.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”St. Louis” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA helped launch a new home visiting program in St. Louis for older adults with asthma, in collaboration with Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue<\/a> (formerly AAFA St. Louis Chapter) and St. Louis Oasis.<\/a> The initiative provided group asthma management education, using AAFA\u2019s ASTHMA Care for Adults<\/a> curriculum in both virtual and in-person formats, along with home visits to help remediate asthma and allergy triggers.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”Header – Additional HEAL Collaborations” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” admin_label=”Accordions – Additional HEAL Collaborations” module_class=”accord” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” border_width_all=”0px” saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed Accordion” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_css_main_element=”display:none;” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Boston” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA worked with the\u00a0Food Allergy Buddies<\/a>\u00a0program at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and the AAFA New England Chapter.\u00a0 The mission of the Food Allergy Buddies Program is to build a positive and supportive community for children, teens and their families, promote self-efficacy, support quality of life, and reinforce self-respect and safety. The support aimed to help the Food Allergy Buddies program better serve Hispanic and Black families in the Boston area. The program focuses on reaching children who may not otherwise have access to a supportive allergy community or essential food allergy management resources.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Connecticut” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA supported the Connecticut Department of Public Health to serve people with asthma in Bridgeport, Hartford, and New Haven. The program features AAFA\u2019s ASTHMA Care for Adults curriculum.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Philadelphia” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA provided the Community Asthma Prevention Program (CAPP) at the Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) with Asthma & Allergy Friendly\u00ae<\/strong>\u00a0Certified product donations. The goal was to improve the indoor air quality for 30 high-risk families living in predominantly Black neighborhoods located near fuel and gas refineries. CAPP offers a comprehensive and sustainable community-driven asthma management program for Black, low-income families. CAPP\u2019s program implements asthma self-management education in the child\u2019s home, community, school, and health care environments.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”San Diego” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA (with support from Sanofi Genzyme and Regeneron) provided Rady Children\u2019s Hospital with a $200,000 grant to expand the AAFA Severe Asthma Program<\/a> and Community Approach to Severe Asthma (CASA) program. A clinical team of pediatric allergist\/immunologists, pulmonologists, pharmacists, social workers, respiratory therapists, and registered nurses evaluate each patient and work together to ensure complete care and self-management education. Children who are seen in the clinic can be referred to the CASA program, which connects high-risk, low-income children and their families with trained community health workers (CHWs). Over half of the children in the program are insured by Medi-Cal (California\u2019s Medicaid program). CHWs help families find and reduce asthma triggers in the home. They also provide free resources and allergen-control products to help reduce these triggers. Rady Children\u2019s location near the U.S.-Mexico border positions it to serve a large Hispanic population.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Washington, DC” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA provided Children\u2019s National Hospital\u2019s comprehensive pediatric asthma program, \u201cImproving Pediatric Asthma Care (IMPACT DC), and its partner home visiting program, Breathe DC, with donations of Asthma & Allergy Friendly\u00ae<\/strong>\u00a0Certified products. These products helped 50 high-risk families i<\/a>n predominantly Black neighborhoods address allergen triggers in their homes. IMPACT DC aims to reduce asthma-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations through clinical care and education. Enrollment in IMPACT\u2019s asthma clinic is triggered by recent emergency room visits and hospitalizations among children with poorly controlled asthma. The program offers individualized asthma education and facilitates care coordination among patients, primary care physicians, specialists, case managers, and school personnel. IMPACT also refers patients to home visitor programs, prescription assistance programs, financial counseling, Medicaid enrollment, legal services, tobacco cessation, and other social programs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Texas” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA\u2019s HEAL Texas program will provide adults living with asthma tools and resources to better manage their asthma. The free program will connect individuals to Health Care Originals (HCO) Nightingale Virtual Respiratory Care platform and AAFA\u2019s patient education and support resources. HCO employs AI and a patented wearable device that lets individuals track symptoms like coughing and wheezing, helping to manage respiratory attacks early on. Nightingale Virtual Respiratory Care includes a mobile app and network of pulmonologists, respiratory therapists, mental health therapists, and health coaches that give each individual a personalized, holistic, and effective new level of care. Nightingale also provides essential items through participation in the program, like Wi-Fi access, pest control, and food security. To help improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to asthma and allergy triggers, participants will also receive an\u00a0Asthma & Allergy Friendly\u00ae\u00a0<\/strong>Certified air purifier and replacement filter from Rabbit Air.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Denver” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n AAFA is working closely with Denver area community stakeholders to help identify and understand the drivers of health disparities and the barriers to accessing care among children with asthma in Denver, with a focus on the Globeville, Elyria Swansea (GES) neighborhoods. The project phases include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Support and Funding” module_id=”supportfunding” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n We are grateful for the sponsorships, financial contributions, and in-kind gifts that make AAFA\u2019s HEAL program possible:<\/p>\n For more information on supporting AAFA\u2019s health equity programs, contact health@aafa.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Download PDFs” module_id=”pressreleasesreports” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on||||” link_text_color=”#008c99″ header_4_font=”|600|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#008c99″ background_image=”https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/small_swoosh_BG.png” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_horizontal_offset=”0%” background_vertical_offset=”2%” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Press Release: AAFA Launches New Health Equity Initiative for Communities Facing Highest Burden of Asthma<\/a> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Print” module_id=”print” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5156″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]
AAFA’s commitment to health equity: HEAL launch<\/a>
HEAL grant awards<\/a>
HEAL impact<\/a>
Patient success stories and news<\/a>
Health equity sites and collaborations<\/a>
Support and funding<\/a>
Press releases and reports<\/a><\/p>\nWhat Is Health Equity?<\/h3>\n
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AAFA\u2019s Commitment to Health Equity: HEAL launch<\/h3>\n
HEAL Grant Awards<\/h3>\n
HEAL Impact<\/h3>\n
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![\"AIRQ](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/AIRQ-chart.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Graphs](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/heal-participant-improvement-graphs.jpg\")
<\/p>\nPatient Success Stories & News<\/h3>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/heal-webpage-june-mack-rotated.jpg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/asthma-story-sherida-miller-SM.jpg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/heal-webpage-la-fondria.jpg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/heal-vera-graff-SM.png\")
<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/national-program-to-reduce-asthma-deaths-and-illness-HEAL-poster.png\")
Health Equity Sites and Collaborations<\/h3>\n
![\"Health](\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/health-equity-community-work-map-web.png\")
<\/p>\nHEAL Grant Awards<\/h3>\n
Additional HEAL Collaborations<\/h3>\n
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Support and Funding<\/h3>\n
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Press Releases and Reports<\/h3>\n
Press Release: AAFA Announces New Health Equity Program Sites Serving Communities Facing Highest Burden of Asthma and Allergic Diseases<\/a>
Press Release: AAFA Announces Innovative Program in Texas Serving Communities Facing Highest Rates of Asthma<\/a>
Asthma Disparities in America \u2013 Full Report<\/a> (11MB, 264 pages)
Asthma Disparities in America \u2013 Executive Summary<\/a> (1MB, 16 pages)
Press Release: Asthma Disparities in America: A Roadmap to Reducing Burden on Racial and Ethnic Minorities<\/a> (September 16, 2020)<\/p>\n