Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Ceremonial Recognition Resolution of 2026

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

26-145

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

March 31, 2026

To designate the month of May as “Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” in the District of
Columbia.

WHEREAS, about 4,750,000 children in the United States currently have asthma;

WHEREAS, nearly 28 million people in the United States have asthma;

WHEREAS, 1,000,000 individuals per year visit U.S. emergency departments because of
asthma’s effects;

WHEREAS, over 71,000 adults and children in the District of Columbia have asthma;

WHEREAS, asthma is one of the most common noncommunicable diseases among
children;

WHEREAS, asthma is a leading cause of hospitalizations and school absences due to a
chronic disease among children;

WHEREAS, the total economic cost of asthma in the United States was $81 .9 billion per
year from 2008 to 2013, which is approximately $115 billion when adjusted for inflation;

WHEREAS, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous individuals in the United States face the
highest burden of asthma;

WHEREAS, asthma is a manageable disease that claimed the lives of over 3,100 people in
the United States in 2023;

WHEREAS, 21.8 million people in the United States have food allergies, including about
3.9 million children;

WHEREAS, food allergy has increased among U.S. children over the past 20 years, with
the greatest increase in Black children;

ENROLLED ORIGINAL
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WHEREAS, children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to have asthma
or other allergic diseases;

WHEREAS, individuals with asthma and food allergies should be able to access affordable
health insurance and the medications and devices they need at reasonable prices; and

WHEREAS, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Week was first recognized during the month
of May more than 40 years ago in 1984.

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “ Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month Ceremonial Recognition
Resolution of 2026”.
Sec. 2. The Council acknowledges the diligent work of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation
of America in improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and other allergic
diseases through its advocacy, education, and research efforts. Further, the Council designates May
as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.