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