Orchids, the official flower of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, 
are beautiful, have no scent and usually do not cause allergies/asthma.

History

The Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), California Chapter, was founded for the sole purpose of sending children with severe asthma to summer camp. In 1976 Sheldon Siegel, MD, together with a group of his patients and friends, decided to sponsor an auction to raise the money to send children to camp. Many other programs and services in addition to asthma camp are now available to help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from asthma and allergies. Some of the services AAFA provides include: The Breathmobilie®, a mobile clinic, which provides diagnosis, treatment and education to high risk inner city school children; sports clinics for children with asthma, a toll free hotline to request literature and physician referrals; educational programs for individuals and organizations; and certified pollen count information. 

AAFA is dedicated to controlling asthma and allergic diseases for millions of sufferers. 

To carry out this mission, we will:

• Educate individuals and organizations on steps that can be taken to improve sufferers quality of life
• Support medical research and specialized training for the healthcare community
• Increase public awareness of the severity of asthma and allergic diseases
• Provide medication and treatment to the under-served

The California Chapter of AAFA was established in 1976 and is the largest chapter in the nationwide network.

"Making a Difference with our Programs and Services"

Asthma Clinics/Breathmobiles®
School-based "asthma clinic on wheels" provides asthma diagnosis, treatment, medication and education.

Childhood Asthma Initiative 
This intervention program provides in-home asthma education, environmental assessment, and asthma case management for low-income, uninsured children and adolescents.

Working for Patient Rights
AAFA represents patients by informing legislators of important issues relating to asthma and allergies.

Referrals
Our toll-free helpline (800) 624-0044 is available for physician referrals and information on asthma and allergies.

Community/Professional Resources
AAFA provides professional workshops for nurses and respiratory therapists. CME courses are coordinated for physicians. Community forums are held for teachers, parents and children to share the latest asthma and allergy therapies. Outreach includes participation in health fairs. 

Free brochures (in English & Spanish) are available to help those who suffer from asthma and allergies to live healthier, more productive lives.

Asthma Camp
The camp provides a week of fun during the summer for children with asthma. Camp promotes self-confidence and ways to manage asthma through education.

Children’s Athletics/Air Power Games®
Air Power Games®, a track and field day, gives children with asthma and allergies the chance to compete in athletics and learn how to excel despite their asthma.

Pollen Counts
Pollen counts assess the pollen concentration over a three day period. The forecasts estimate how much pollen an allergy sufferer is likely to be exposed to. 

Publications
Quarterly Email newsletters provide information about the Breathmobiles®, new medications, asthma camp, upcoming special events, scholarships, and much more.

Professional Society
AAFA acts as the administrator for the California Society of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (CSAAI). There are nearly 600 Board Certified Allergists in the state.

Adult Health Screenings
AAFA schedules breathing tests and distributes educational materials at health fairs and senior centers. 

Achievements / Accolades
AAFA is proud to announce its recent achievements/accolades from community healthcare organizations and agencies.

BEST IN AMERICA - with so many competing choices today, many donors look for aids to help make their giving decisions easier. One of those aids that have become increasingly popular with donors is a third party endorsement or "seal of approval". 
That is why the California Chapter of the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America is pleased to announce that we have been awarded with the BEST IN 
AMERICA "seal of approval" certified by Independent Charities of America. Of the 50,000+ charities that participate, only about 1500 will have the privilege of 
displaying this seal. You will soon see the seal on AAFA’s Website, letterhead and other promotional material.

We appreciate the donation from Kinder Morgan / Francene Lifson, AAFA’s Executive Director, David D. Cornman, Director Project Permitting, Craig Jones, MD, George Minter, Senior Vice President of Greer/Dailey/Minter