National Alliance for Hispanic Health to Raise Awareness About Anaphylaxis
Washington, DC – “Severe allergic reactions are serious, and they can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Hispanics need to know what anaphylaxis is, how to prevent it, and above all, what to do if they or their children have an anaphylactic reaction. It can mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance).
The Alliance is encouraging parents to learn how to make sure their children are safe in school if they have allergies and that their child’s school and after-school programs are prepared in the case a child has a severe allergic reaction. Parents can visit the Alliance website (www.hispanichealth.org) to learn what policies their state has in effect to respond to anaphylaxis in schools. Parents can also call the Alliance’s toll- free and bilingual Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645 to talk to a health promotion advisor to get answers to their questions about anaphylaxis and referrals to health resources in their communities.
To help parents, the Alliance is also making available the bilingual publication Let’s Talk About Anaphylaxis. The resource covers the basics about anaphylaxis, risk factors, treatment, steps families may take to protect their children, and recent federal guidelines to ensure children are protected at school. Parents can get a free copy of the book by calling 1-866-783-2645 or download a free e-book copy at www.hispanichealth.org. The book is also available as an ebook on Amazon and iTunes.
“With this bilingual resource, through our website, and support on our helpline, we hope to help all parents make sure their children are safe in school and at their after school activities,” said Dr. Delgado.
The support being offered by the Alliance is made possible through a sponsorship from Mylan Specialty L.P.
“We are committed to furthering education and dialogue about anaphylaxis in Hispanic communities across the nation,” said Roger D. Graham, Jr., president of Mylan Specialty. “Mylan Specialty is proud to support the Alliance in their efforts to help Hispanics recognize the signs and symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction and understand how to respond if anaphylaxis occurs.”
The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year, making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities and families. For more information, visit www.hispanichealth.org, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/healthyamericas, or call the Alliance’s Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645.