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Help Us Find a Cure!
Ask Congress to Increase Federal Funding for Food Allergy Research
As you know, there is no cure for food allergy. The disease affects 4% of the U.S. population, or 12 million Americans, and studies show that its prevalence is increasing, especially among children.
Over the past decade, the budget of the NIH has more than doubled—reaching nearly $28.5 billion. Yet during that budget doubling period, the funding for food allergy research is still less than $10 million. Only $3 out of every $10,000 of NIH budget is devoted to food allergy research—while at the same time, the prevalence of food allergy has doubled among young children.
As you know, food allergy research has been one of FAAN’s key initiatives since its inception. Working with our members and other organizations, FAAN has undertaken a number of research related efforts:
- During FAAN’s Kids’ Congress, held in October of 2005, more than eighty families affected by food allergy visited Washington, DC, and met with approximately 150 legislators or their representatives to appeal for increased funding for NIH for food allergy research.
- FAAN has collaborated with leading scientists from around the world, and has published numerous studies that have helped unravel the mysteries of food allergy and anaphylaxis, and have improved the quality of life for food-allergic patients around the world.
- FAAN has initiated its own research program to fund several pilot research grants, provided by private donations from our members and supporters. This program is growing and thriving and serves as the only source of funding for pilot studies for some scientists.
However, increased NIH funding is crucial to our efforts, scientific studies can cost millions of dollars, and this is where you can play a key role.
Over the next several months Congress will be considering the FY 2007 budget that will determine how much money is allocated to the NIH for diseases such as food allergy. You can help by contacting your U.S. Senators and Representative, and asking them to increase Federal funding for research on food allergy and anaphylaxis.
To find your U.S. Senators, visit http://www.senate.gov and utilize the “Find Your Senators” feature in the upper right-hand corner.
To find your U.S. Representative, visit http://www.house.gov and use the “Find Your Representative” feature at the top of the page or you can email your Representative directly by using the “Write Your Representative” feature on the left-hand side of the page.
Tell the legislators how food allergy affects your entire family, friends, and classmates. Ask them to make finding a cure for this public health issue a funding priority. Send FAAN a copy of your letter so we can follow up with legislators. |
