Asthma and Allergy Organizations Merging

The Kids With Food Allergies Foundation (KFA) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) are merging in the coming weeks, creating the most comprehensive nonprofit source of education, research, advocacy, social networking, and support for millions of families living with these diseases. More than 60 million people in the U.S. are living with asthma and allergic diseases, including over 13 million adults and children with food allergies. The merger will result in the Kids With Food Allergies Foundation becoming a division of AAFA.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is the older of the two nonprofits, with the AAFA celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year. AAFA was founded in 1953 when asthma and allergies were first recognized as a national health crisis in America, and remains committed to its original mission of education, advocacy, and research. KFA was established in 2005 and has become an essential part of the food allergy and anaphylaxis community offering patient education programs, an allergy buyers’ guide, webinars, and a database of allergen-free recipes to help keep children safe and healthy. Of particular importance, KFA hosts the largest and most active online food allergy and anaphylaxis community at www.kidswithfoodallergies.org, which is a great support for parents and caregivers who want to network with others about raising children with food allergies and related diseases.

The prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases has grown dramatically over the past few decades making these chronic diseases into some of the most common diseases across every age group. Regrettably, deaths related to asthma and life-threatening allergic reactions continue to occur. Teaching families how to prevent symptoms or attacks, handle emergencies, properly use treatments and care for children with these diseases is vital. “Patient education is key,” says Tom Flanagan, immediate past chair of AAFA’s National Board of Directors. “AAFA and KFA are two of the most respected sources of this type of information and education, so this merger will be a great fit for both groups, and great news for the patient community.”

Click here to read more in the Herald Online.

Merge Arrows image by Bayo / Wikimedia