Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 1473

BY: M. of A. Rules (Lunsford)

        MEMORIALIZING  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim
        May 2026, as Asthma and Allergy Awareness  Month  in
        the State of New York

  WHEREAS,  It  is  the  custom  of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside  to  increase  awareness  of  serious
health issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

  WHEREAS,  Attendant  to  such  concern,  and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this  Legislative  Body  is  justly  proud  to
memorialize  Governor  Kathy  Hochul to proclaim May 2026, as Asthma and
Allergy Awareness Month in the State of New York,  in  conjunction  with
the observance of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month; and

  WHEREAS,  Each  year,  the  Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
(AAFA) declares May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month since
it is peak season for those suffering from asthma and allergies; and

  WHEREAS, Asthma is a long-term disease that causes your  airways  to
become swollen and inflamed, making it hard to breathe; and

  WHEREAS,  An  allergy  occurs  when  the body's immune system sees a
substance as harmful and overreacts to it; the reactions can range  from
mild to severe and can cause a medical emergency; and

  WHEREAS,  There is no cure for asthma and allergies, and many deaths
are preventable with proper treatment and care; and

  WHEREAS,  Allergies,  asthma,   and   several   other   inflammatory
conditions  are related: eczema (atopic dermatitis), contact dermatitis,
nasal polyps, chronic hives, and various types of food allergies; and

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

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

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

  WHEREAS,  One  of  the most common chronic conditions in the U.S., 1
out of 3 people have allergies; and

  WHEREAS, Nearly 32 out of 100 U.S. adults and more than  30  out  of
100 U.S. children have a seasonal allergy, eczema, or food allergy; and

  WHEREAS,  On  average,  it  is  estimated that anaphylaxis (a severe
allergic reaction) results in 45,000-50,000 emergency room visits in the
United States each year; and

  WHEREAS, Food allergies have increase among U.S. children  over  the
past  20  years,  with the greatest increase in Black children; further,

children with food allergies are two to four times more likely  to  have
asthma or other allergic diseases; and

  WHEREAS,  People  with  asthma  and  food  allergies  need access to
affordable health insurance and to the medications and devices they need
at affordable prices; and

  WHEREAS, Understanding allergic conditions is crucial for  effective
advocacy  and  support; by raising awareness and promoting education, we
can empower communities to act now to support and improve the health  of
millions; and

  RESOLVED,  That  this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2026,  as  Asthma  and
Allergy Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further