#United States #San Antonio #digital health #Allergy Asthma Network #APHA 2026

Allergy & Asthma Network Highlights Innovations at APHA 2026

The Allergy & Asthma Network, a prominent entity in patient-centered research and advocacy, is set to make a significant impact at the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Annual Meeting and Expo, taking place from November 1-4 in San Antonio, Texas. With the overarching theme, "Together We Thrive: Health Across the Lifespan," this event will bring together nearly 11,000 public health professionals from around the globe.

Focus on Digital Health and Communication

Tori Martel, the Director of Public Health Engagement at the Allergy & Asthma Network, will take the stage for a pivotal presentation on November 3. Her presentation will delve into how digital health education can empower communities that face the greatest asthma burdens, focusing on the various barriers these communities encounter when accessing healthcare.

In recent years, digital technologies and social media have rapidly transformed the way health information is disseminated. This advancement presents a dual challenge for public health organizations: while it creates opportunities for wide-reaching educational campaigns, it also raises concerns about reaching the most vulnerable populations who may need these resources the most.

Martel emphasizes the importance of utilizing evidence-based communication strategies that resonate with patients' experiences and are tailored to diverse community needs. “Digital innovation is altering our access to health information profoundly,” she stated. “However, trust cannot be built on technology alone. We must ensure that our communication strategies are rooted in patient experiences and focused on community requirements.”

Presentations at APHA

Martel will present two key pieces of research during the expo, both significantly contributing to public health discourse regarding asthma-related disparities:

• - Oral Presentation: "The Digital Health Paradox: Evaluating Social Media Campaign Reach in High-Burden Asthma Regions." This presentation will be part of the session focusing on digital methods and strategies in public health.
• - Poster Presentation: "Linking Digital Engagement with Structural Asthma Inequities: Insights from the OCS Overexposed Campaign and the Asthma Equity Explorer." This session is geared towards creating patient-centered care messaging and addressing misinformation.

These presentations are not just theoretical; they reflect concrete data from the Allergy & Asthma Network's campaign that aims to educate patients about the potential risks associated with repeated use of oral corticosteroids. This campaign has garnered nearly 95,000 views across social media platforms, with a notable concentration in four states which, despite having a higher asthma burden, had smaller shares of campaign outreach.

This data underscores the necessity of reassessing traditional engagement metrics to ensure health education aligns with actual community needs. The findings suggest that targeted digital outreach and fostering trusted community partnerships can significantly enhance equitable access to public health information.

Commitment to Patient Engagement

The participation of the Allergy & Asthma Network at APHA 2026 underscores its long-standing commitment to bridging the divide between scientific research and the practical needs of individuals living with asthma, allergies, and related health conditions. For over 40 years, this nonprofit organization has advocated for enhanced healthcare outcomes, improved access to care, comprehensive education, and effective treatments.

Media representatives from the Allergy & Asthma Network will be available throughout the event for interviews, discussions surrounding misinformation in digital health communication, and insights about patient engagement strategies. This engagement aims to enrich the ongoing conversation about how digital health innovations can be enhanced and better utilized in public health strategies.

About Allergy & Asthma Network

Founded in 1985, the Allergy & Asthma Network has established itself as the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to outreach, education, advocacy, and research for individuals dealing with asthma, allergies, and related conditions. Their mission focuses on advancing patient-centered research while promoting access to care and treatments aimed at improving health outcomes and quality of life.

For further information about their work or to access educational resources, visit AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org.