Asthma Awareness Day Capitol Hill 2003 (AADCH) was a huge success! Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) hosted its sixth annual AADCH national education event in Washington, DC, on May 7, 2003. AADCH provides a public forum for lawmakers to address issues affecting people with asthma and allergies. Highlights of this year's event include the introduction of legislation that will save children's lives and benefit all families of students with asthma and anaphylaxis.

An Awards & Recognition Reception held in Union Station kicked off the events, honoring people and organizations who improve the lives of those with allergies and asthma. This year AANMA recognized six special award winners, including Martin Scorsese who sent a video acceptance of his special achievement award. Speakers also honored the tenth anniversary of AANMA's Outreach Service Coordinator Program and all the AADCH sponsors. The night was just what everyone needed to start AADCH 2003 off with a bang!

More than 300 people attended the public Allergy & Asthma Expo at Union Station. The Expo featured 25 exhibits on allergies and asthma from nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and corporate sponsors. Board-certified allergists from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology provided free asthma screenings, including free pulmonary function testing by members of the American Association for Respiratory Care. Children's entertainment included Clifford the Big Red Dog, Ernie of Sesame Street, Zoey and Light Buddy, Pulmi, and an Uncle Sam stiltwalker. Goody bags with Aller-Rx products and Pizzeria Uno coupons, refreshments, and door prizes donated by Staples and America Restaurant rounded out the event.

In the afternoon, attention turned to the US House of Representatives. At our press conference in the Cannon Caucus Room of the Cannon House Office Building, Representative Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Representative Patrick Kennedy (D-RI) announced they would introduce legislation known as ASTHMA 2003 that afternoon. Representatives Joe Barton, Ed Towns, and Nita Lowey (AADCH 2003 Congressional Co-Chairs) also spoke in support of the legislation.

ASTHMA 2003, officially known as H.R. 2023, provides incentives to states to develop statutes allowing students to carry and self-administer prescribed lifesaving asthma and anaphylaxis medications while at school. The bill has been referred to the Energy & Commerce committee.

AANMA continues to celebrate the success of AADCH 2003; however, there is much work to be done over the next year. Help all students with allergies and asthma by contacting your Federal elected officials and asking them to support H.R. 2023!