{"id":19385928,"date":"2025-03-20T10:52:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T14:52:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/?p=19385928"},"modified":"2025-06-13T13:47:08","modified_gmt":"2025-06-13T17:47:08","slug":"aan-legacy-of-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/news\/aan-legacy-of-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergy &amp; Asthma Network 40th Anniversary: A Legacy of Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Education-Lead-image.jpg\" alt=\"Collage celebrating 40 years of the Allergy &amp; Asthma Network. It includes newsletters, infographics on respiratory treatments, a magazine cover, and an image of children. Central text reads &quot;Allergy &amp; Asthma Network Celebrating 40 Years.\u201d.\" class=\"wp-image-19385952\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Education-Lead-image.jpg 1075w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Education-Lead-image-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Education-Lead-image-768x372.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Education is more than a cornerstone for Allergy &amp; Asthma Network \u2013 it\u2019s at the heart of support for patients and families. For 40 years, the Network has been dedicated to offering asthma and allergy patient information and inspiration that is accurate, practical and accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This commitment has helped transform how people manage these chronic conditions. It has turned moments of fear and uncertainty into opportunities for understanding and better health outcomes. Raising awareness of asthma and allergy care nationwide empowers patients.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image19385928_230419-d52 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image19385928_230419-d52 size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AAN-Websites.jpg\" alt=\"Cartoon map of &quot;Breatherville&quot; with a circular layout featuring buildings labeled hospital, pharmacy, park, and more. Next to it are digital devices displaying a website about allergies and asthma, with people and health-related content shown.\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-19385947\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AAN-Websites.jpg 1075w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AAN-Websites-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AAN-Websites-768x372.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption>We launched our first website \u2013&nbsp;Breatherville.org&nbsp;\u2013 in 1998. Today\u2019s website reaches 2.4 million visitors per year.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bridging the knowledge gap<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Too often, patients and families feel isolated in their healthcare journey. Misconceptions, myths, and a lack of reliable resources can leave them feeling overwhelmed. Recognizing this, Allergy &amp; Asthma Network set out to simplify the often-complex conditions and close the information gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The goal: equip patients and caregivers with practical tools to successfully navigate asthma and allergies. In providing practical, medically reviewed materials, the Network helped countless people to break free from the cycle of emergency department visits, missed school days, and workplace absences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Network\u2019s flagship resource the last 10 years has been its patient education website. What started in 1998 as <em>Breatherville.org<\/em>, an interactive website for patients, parents, caregivers and children, is now <a href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/\"><strong><em>AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org<\/em><\/strong><\/a>. It has become a trusted hub of relatable, easy-to-understand information for all ages, as well as healthcare providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2024, the website recorded 2.5 million visitors, an all-time high. Millions more engaged with the Network on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok. This allows for real-time engagement, community-building, and the sharing of resources to treat asthma, allergies and related conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, the Network produces special websites, digital toolkits and patient education videos as part of collaboration with its many partners. Two websites, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"http:\/\/EczemaInSkinofColor.org\"><strong>EczemaInSkinofColor.org<\/strong><\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"http:\/\/EosAsthma.org\"><strong>EosAsthma.org<\/strong><\/a>, are on track to relaunch in 2025. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/biologicmeds.org\/\"><strong>BiologicMeds.org<\/strong><\/a> relaunched last year. The Food Allergy, Chronic Urticaria and Mast Cell Disease Toolkits launched in the last two years. The \u201cAsk the Allergist video series has garnered 380,000 views and many more are viewing short-form videos on TikTok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Network\u2019s educational efforts include the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/free-asthma-coach-program\/\"><strong>Virtual Asthma Coaching Program<\/strong><\/a>. This innovative initiative involves certified asthma educators connecting online with patients and helping them to better understand and manage their condition. Patients start to feel more confident in asking questions, advocating for themselves or their children, and taking an active role in their health journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Hidden Allergens in Everyday Products! #FoodAllergies #FoodAllergyMom #FoodAllergy #HealthEquity\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/N8M6A0Kq3VM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Webinars and virtual conferences further expand the Network\u2019s digital reach, delivering expert-led discussions on topics ranging from asthma to food allergies to mast cell disease. These virtual sessions enable the Network to connect with a global audience, providing definitive guidance and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Network has also partnered with The Itch Podcast to collaborate on producing podcasts. The <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/podcasts\/\"><strong>Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Innovations<\/strong><\/a> podcast series explores asthma, allergies, eczema and related conditions, providing perspectives from both a physician and patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MA-report-to-the-eNewsletter.jpg\" alt=\"A collage of newsletters featuring different designs and formats. The newsletters include text, images, and headlines related to asthma and allergy topics, with varying shades of blue, yellow, and white prominent throughout.\" class=\"wp-image-19385948\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MA-report-to-the-eNewsletter.jpg 1075w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MA-report-to-the-eNewsletter-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/MA-report-to-the-eNewsletter-768x372.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our flagship publication was The MA Report newsletter, delivered to patients and families starting in 1985. <br>Today it\u2019s an E-newsletter delivering to 60,000+ subscribers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Evolving platforms, enduring commitment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The platforms may have changed through the last 40 years, but the Network has consistently adapted to meet the needs of the times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Early on, Allergy &amp; Asthma Network\u2019s educational focus centered on print publications. Founder Nancy Sander began the organization in 1985 with publication of <em>The Mothers of Asthmatics (MA) Report<\/em>, a groundbreaking newsletter tailored to families navigating asthma and allergies. It was written in a plain language style so that asthma and allergies were easy to understand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>The MA Report<\/em> became a vital resource for addressing disease management and debunking myths. Today, it has evolved into an E- newsletter that reaches 60,000+ people with timely updates on new medications, expert insights, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Network expanded its print publications to include a quarterly magazine, patient education guides for each disease state, and leaflets and brochures. Founder Nancy Sander published <em>A Parent\u2019s Guide to Asthma, <\/em>a book that provided the basics of asthma. It detailed her family\u2019s struggles with asthma \u2013 readers often saw their own concerns mirrored in hers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Network published and promoted children\u2019s books tailored to young audiences. It gave children a head start on understanding how asthma and allergies occur and how to manage them. The books explained how to use an inhaler, peak flow meter and nebulizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each of these resources were distributed nationwide, in subscriber mailboxes and bookstores, at health fairs and medical conferences. They empowered people of all ages to become active participants in their care \u2013 and in the asthma and allergy community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizing the needs of diverse audiences, many resources were translated into Spanish, ensuring critical information was accessible to Hispanic\/Latino families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/USAsthma-summit-event.jpg\" alt=\"Image showing the USAsthma Summit 2024 organized by the Allergy &amp; Asthma Network. The foreground features a group of people seated at a round table in discussion. In the background, a speaker presents at a podium to an audience in a conference hall.\" class=\"wp-image-19385949\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/USAsthma-summit-event.jpg 1075w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/USAsthma-summit-event-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/USAsthma-summit-event-768x372.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Building community and driving change<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In an era increasingly defined by digital connections, in-person conferences and events remain valuable educational opportunities. Bringing together patients, families, healthcare professionals, government officials, industry leaders, and experts creates an environment where education can thrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The annual <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/events\/usasthma-summit\/\"><strong>USAsthma Summit<\/strong><\/a> hosted by Allergy &amp; Asthma Network and the American College of Allergy, Asthma &amp; Immunology (ACAAI) is an annual event to address current and emerging issues in asthma care. In-person and virtual attendees learn about new medications and access to Guidelines-based, patient-centered care while staying up to date on the latest advancements in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They gain practical knowledge on national asthma guidelines to take back to their communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1075\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Asthma-Inhaler-posters-thru-the-years.jpg\" alt=\"Four educational posters display various asthma inhalers and respiratory treatments. Each poster categorizes different inhalers and treatments with images and descriptions, detailing their usage and types under headings like &quot;Asthma Inhalers&quot; and &quot;Respiratory Treatments.\" class=\"wp-image-19385950\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Asthma-Inhaler-posters-thru-the-years.jpg 1075w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Asthma-Inhaler-posters-thru-the-years-300x145.jpg 300w, https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Asthma-Inhaler-posters-thru-the-years-768x372.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1075px) 100vw, 1075px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Our Respiratory Treatments poster through the years: 2005, 2010, 2014 and 2025 versions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visual tools for clarity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Network\u2019s innovative <a href=\"https:\/\/store.allergyasthmanetwork.org\/posters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>poster series<\/strong><\/a> and infographics have transformed education into an accessible and practical resource.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Two posters are visual guides that showcase FDA-approved respiratory inhalers and epinephrine medications. Patients and parents can easily identify medications on the <em>Respiratory Treatments<\/em> and <em>Epinephrine Treatments <\/em>posters. They gain a critical understanding of how the medications work. The poster <em>Anaphylaxis at a Glance<\/em> succinctly outlines life-threatening allergens, symptoms and treatments, offering a quick yet comprehensive educational tool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Allergy &amp; Asthma Network has sold and distributed more than 1 million posters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A legacy that endures<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Through its commitment to education, Allergy &amp; Asthma Network has reshaped how patients and families approach asthma and allergies. By listening, innovating, and staying true to the mission, the Network has helped people to advocate for themselves and their loved ones. This has fostered a community where no one faces these challenges alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With each patient education opportunity, the Network continues to inspire hope, understanding, and action for a healthier tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"Allergy &amp; Asthma Network 40th Anniversary Timeline\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sVD1flIcfYM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">See more in this series:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-allergy-amp-asthma-network wp-block-embed-allergy-amp-asthma-network\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"6Kr9yXbe6D\"><a href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/news\/aan-legacy-of-advocacy\/\">Allergy &amp; Asthma Network 40th Anniversary: A Legacy of Advocacy<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Allergy &amp; Asthma Network 40th Anniversary: A Legacy of Advocacy&#8221; &#8212; Allergy &amp; Asthma Network\" src=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/news\/aan-legacy-of-advocacy\/embed\/#?secret=j0mIWXXr42#?secret=6Kr9yXbe6D\" data-secret=\"6Kr9yXbe6D\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-allergy-amp-asthma-network wp-block-embed-allergy-amp-asthma-network\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"YxoJHv3543\"><a href=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/news\/aan-40th-anniversary\/\">Allergy &amp; Asthma Network 40th Anniversary<\/a><\/blockquote><iframe class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; visibility: hidden;\" title=\"&#8220;Allergy &amp; Asthma Network 40th Anniversary&#8221; &#8212; Allergy &amp; Asthma Network\" src=\"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/news\/aan-40th-anniversary\/embed\/#?secret=fqs1OOAdoK#?secret=YxoJHv3543\" data-secret=\"YxoJHv3543\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Education is more than a cornerstone for Allergy &amp; Asthma Network \u2013 it\u2019s at the heart of support for patients and families. For 40 years, the Network has been dedicated to offering asthma and allergy patient information and inspiration that is accurate, practical and accessible. This commitment has helped transform how people manage these chronic&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":19385952,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-19385928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":2,"label":"News"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Education-Lead-image.jpg",1075,521,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Allergy &amp; Asthma Network","author_link":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/author\/kolleen\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":2,"name":"News","slug":"news","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2,"taxonomy":"category","description":"Allergy &amp; Asthma Network keeps you up to date with the latest news, information and patient education addressing asthma, allergies and related conditions. Read the latest press releases and learn about our initiatives in advocacy on the federal, state and local levels. Get information on the Network\u2019s research projects and how you can get involved.","parent":0,"count":462,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":2,"category_count":462,"category_description":"Allergy &amp; Asthma Network keeps you up to date with the latest news, information and patient education addressing asthma, allergies and related conditions. Read the latest press releases and learn about our initiatives in advocacy on the federal, state and local levels. Get information on the Network\u2019s research projects and how you can get involved.","cat_name":"News","category_nicename":"news","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"meta_box":{"start_date":"","end_date":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19385928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19385928"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19385928\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19385952"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19385928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19385928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/allergyasthmanetwork.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19385928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}