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Allergy & Asthma Network's Annual Advocacy Event

On May 6, 2026, the Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN) will celebrate its 29th annual advocacy event on Capitol Hill, focusing on crucial political priorities regarding patient access and affordability. As prescription drug costs continue to soar, the urgency for dialogue and legislative action cannot be overstated. This year, the advocacy event coincides with World Asthma Day, highlighting the theme, "The Prescription for Progress: Closing the Gap on Patient Affordability and Access."

The event marks a significant culmination of efforts led by AAN to address the financial and systemic barriers preventing individuals from receiving the healthcare and medications they urgently need. This year also marks the first collaborative event since launching the Patient Advocacy Leadership Initiative (PALI) in 2025, designed to empower patients and caregivers to become effective advocates for sound policies.

A Commitment to Empowerment

The advocacy initiative starts with a summit aimed at equipping participants with tools to combat misinformation about allergies and asthma, enabling them to share their personal narratives effectively. These empowered advocates will take their stories directly to Capitol Hill, underscoring the human impact behind the statistics.

The evening will feature a political advocacy reception, where Georgina "Gio" Cornago will be honored with the inaugural AAN Clarion Award for Public Policy Impact. She is being recognized for her relentless efforts in advocating for emergency preparedness legislation following the tragic loss of her son, Giovanni Cipriano, due to anaphylaxis during a family vacation in 2013.

"No family should endure such a loss," Cornago stated, advocating for measures ensuring that first responders are trained and equipped to manage anaphylactic emergencies. Her legislative push emphasizes the importance of timely access to epinephrine as a life-saving intervention.

Engaging Advocacy in Action

The day will culminate in the 29th Annual Allergy and Asthma Day on Capitol Hill (AADCH), where more than 100 advocates from across the nation will converge to engage with members of Congress, aligning their efforts with healthcare professionals, allies, and policymakers. These advocates will advocate for federal priorities during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

AAN has set several legislative priorities, including:

• - The Safe Step Act, aiming to reform step therapy protocols.
• - The HELP Copays Act, which seeks to count copay assistance as part of out-of-pocket costs.
• - The Gio Law, reinforcing the emergency response to severe allergic reactions.
• - The One School One Nurse Act, addressing the national shortage of school nurses.

The Allergy & Asthma Network encourages patients and families to share their experiences directly with congressional members, asserting that personal stories play a pivotal role in shaping effective policies. Patients and caregivers nationwide can also participate virtually through AAN's Take Action platform.

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Established in 1985, the Allergy & Asthma Network stands as the leading nonprofit organization focused on outreach, education, advocacy, and research for those living with allergies, asthma, and related conditions. Our mission is clear—promote patient-centered research, enhance healthcare access, education, and treatments that lead to improved health outcomes and quality of life. We strive to make clinically accurate information comprehensible and advocate for evidence-based care while fostering collaboration among patients, providers, researchers, advocates, and policymakers. To learn more, visit AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.