Partnership formed to increase latex allergy awareness

The Allergy & Asthma Network announced that its Anaphylaxis Community Expert volunteer program has joined with the American Latex Allergy Association to increase awareness of life-threatening latex allergies, according to a press release.

“This partnership is a natural alliance, blending the necessary information on latex allergy in the context of identifying and managing anaphylaxis,” Michael Zacharisen, MD, allergist, ACE (Anaphylaxis Community Expert) volunteer and ALAA (American Latex Allergy Association) board member from Bozeman, Mont., said in the release. “I’m confident the awareness raised will benefit the public and medical community alike.”

Eight percent to 12% of health care workers and 1% to 6% of the US population have been impacted by latex allergies, according to the CDC, the release said.

“The missions of the Allergy & Asthma Network and ALAA complement each other well,” Tonya Winders, network president and CEO, said in the release. “In the past 5 years, the ACE program has directly educated more than 60,000 people through community awareness and education activities.”

ACE volunteers will distribute literature, including ALAA’s Living with Latex Allergy, “an evidence-based and medically reviewed booklet to help health care professionals and latex allergy patients better understand the condition, including what triggers symptoms and what is needed to manage reactions,” the release said.

ALAA is a national nonprofit organization focused on creating awareness of latex allergy and providing support for people diagnosed with latex allergy. The Allergy & Asthma Network and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology developed ACE, which is sponsored by Mylan Specialty, according to the release. The program works with parents, school administrators and emergency responders.