WASHINGTON – This week, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-06), co-chairs of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May as “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.”

“Over half a million people live with asthma just in California’s Central Valley, with millions more suffering from seasonal or yearly allergies. These conditions have a serious impact on people’s lives and make simple day-to-day tasks incredibly difficult,” said Congressman Valadao. “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Dingell to introduce this resolution to designate May as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month so we can help educate the American people and save lives. As the co-chair of the Congressional Asthma and Allergy Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue raising awareness on this critical issue.”

“Allergies and asthma impact Americans from every corner of the country, across age groups, sex, and race, myself included – though we know it is historically underserved communities that are impacted the most. My home state of Michigan has one of the highest prevalence rates of asthma in the country,” said Rep. Dingell. “I’m proud to designate May Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month to support increased education and efforts to improve the quality of life for Americans living with these conditions.”

“AAFA would like to thank House Asthma and Allergy Caucus co-chairs, Representatives Dingell and Valadao, for introducing this resolution to raise awareness of the ways asthma and allergies impact people in the United States,” said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. “With over one in three people in the U.S. suffering from allergic disease, it’s important that everyone understands ways to address these conditions. Over 3,500 people die every year from asthma, allergy seasons which can be a trigger for asthma are getting longer and more intense from climate change; and food allergies have increased among children. Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native people are disproportionately impacted by all these conditions.  AAFA is committed to working with Congress in a way that raises awareness of and provides help for the challenges faced by people in the U.S. with asthma and allergies.”