The Senate Resolution introduced by Brooks and Kane on May 5, 2025, recognizes May 2025 as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the significant impact of asthma and food allergies on individuals, particularly children, noting that approximately 4.9 million children and nearly 28 million individuals in the U.S. are affected by asthma. In Pennsylvania alone, over 1 million adults suffer from asthma, which is a leading cause of hospitalizations and school absences among children. The resolution also emphasizes the economic burden of asthma, which was estimated at $81.9 billion annually from 2008 to 2013, and the need for affordable health insurance and medications for those affected.
Additionally, the resolution points out the alarming rise in food allergies, affecting more than 20 million individuals in the U.S., including 4.3 million children. It notes the correlation between food allergies and asthma, as children with food allergies are more likely to develop asthma or other allergic diseases. This year marks the 40th anniversary of "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month," first established by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, underscoring the importance of raising awareness and advocating for those living with these conditions.