American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, U.S.A., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.

The association provides its members with continuing medical education, publications, and representation to managed care organizations, medical organizations, consumer and patient groups, and government and regulatory agencies. The College also develops and disseminates educational information to patients, other physicians, health professionals and health plan administrators.

Annual Meeting

The ACAAI Annual Meeting is held in November in a major U.S. city. The meeting attracts some 1,800 physicians, 400 allied health professionals and office managers. International experts provide current information and new developments in the treatment of asthma and allergic disease through a variety of symposia, workshops, exhibits and more than 200 abstract presentations.

Publications

ACAAI’s scientific journal, the "Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology", offers the latest basic and clinical research findings for the physician treating asthma and allergic or immunologic disorders. Other publications include "AllergyWatch" – a synopsis of articles relevant to the specialty from 19 scientific journals, along with commentary – and printed and electronic member newsletters, "ACAAI News" and "ACAAI eNews".

Public Education

The ACAAI publishes numerous public education materials. Patient information and allergist referrals are available online at www.acaai.org and by calling the toll-free patient information and allergist referral number (800-842-7777).

Through the [http://www.acaai.org/public/lifeQuality/nasp/index.htm "ACAAI Nationwide Asthma Screening Program"] , members conduct more than 250 free asthma screenings across the country. Now in its 12th year, more than 110,000 adults and children have been screened through the program. The College conducts a national media campaign to publicize the screenings and raise public awareness about asthma.

With the fight for allergy prevention increasingly focused on the home, the ACAAI launched [http://www.acaai.org/public/Home/HOME.htm "HOME: Home Allergy Management for Everyone"] , a new program aimed at managing exposure to indoor allergens. The online resource features five important steps, room-by-room tips, information on different types of prominent indoor allergens, and an interactive Allergy Index Indoor Rating Tool with customized information on how to manage exposure to allergens in the home.

The ACAAI [http://www.pcipr.com/ACAAI/index.htm "“Connections to Health Care”"] Program helps patients receive the best health plan benefits for allergy and asthma care. Central to the program is a brochure, Checking Up on the Best Health Plans.

For managing allergic emergencies (anaphylaxis), the ACAAI [http://www.acaai.org/Member/Be_SAFE_Home.htm "“Be S.A.F.E.”"] program educates patients on how to be prepared for a severe allergic reaction.

History

Founded in 1942 as the American College of Allergy (ACA), the society merged with the American Association of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (AACIA) in 1987 and became the American College of Allergy and Immunology (ACAI). In 1994 it was renamed the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

The Joint Council of Allergy and Immunology (JCAAI), jointly supported by the ACAAI and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), was established in 1974 to address socioeconomic and legislative matters affecting allergists.

References

* [http://www.acaai.org/ Official website]