Anaphylaxis Community Experts Bring Vital Education to Your Area!

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I am pleased to be a part of what I consider a very important educational initiative- the Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACE) program.  

Co-sponsored by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) and the Allergy & Asthma Network - Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA), the ACE program's mission is to prevent anaphylaxis deaths and reduce anxieties through education, advocacy and outreach.  In light of the tragic death of a peanut-allergic girl at a Chicago school in December, our mission is even more timely.


Who are the ACE team members?
ACE Teams consist of one board-certified allergist and one community member who each share this mission.

Goal: To understand and improve the care of people at risk for anaphylaxis by providing an evidence-based approach to the identification, diagnosis, assessment and management of anaphylaxis in order to prevent deaths from severe allergic reactions.


Objectives:
  • To help patients, families, and healthcare professionals identify who is at risk, and improve recognition of the signs and symptoms of life-threatening allergic reactions
  • To recommend that auto-injectable epinephrine, the first line of treatment, be administered immediately once the signs and symptoms have been identified
  • To develop prevention models that:
o   Promote identification and avoidance of allergens
o   Encourage patients with history of anaphylaxis to be seen routinely by an allergy specialist
o   Provide an Anaphylaxis Action Plan to all patients who are at risk of anaphylaxis
o   Refer patients with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis to an allergist, support groups and educational programs

How Will Objectives be Met?
ACE teams will provide educational seminars in a variety of community and healthcare settings- schools, day-care centers, hospitals, police/fire departments, etc.  In addition, ACE teams will provide interviews with print, radio, internet, and television media to raise awareness about recognition and management of anaphylaxis.  All seminars will be free of charge.



How Can I Request a Seminar in My Community?
ACE teams are eager to bring a seminar to your community!  To find an Anaphylaxis Community Expert near you, please see the following site: http://www.aanma.org/2010/12/find-an-anaphylaxis-community-expert-ace/




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