AAAAI Distinguished Layperson Award Grant

The AAAAI Distinguished Layperson Award recognizes non-medical citizens for their significant contributions to the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology. Established by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), this annual award honors individuals who have promoted public education, supported research, and influenced positive change in legislation related to allergies. This acknowledgment reflects the growing importance of citizen volunteers in advancing the specialty and improving patient care.

About the AAAAI
This membership includes allergist / immunologists, other medical specialists, allied health and related healthcare professionals—all with a special interest in the research and treatment of allergic and immunologic diseases.
Scholarship and Education.
The AAAAI has recognized for some time that many scientists and physicians who are not themselves clinical allergists have made contributions to the understanding and practice of allergies. Some have been elected to affiliate membership, and others, whose scientific contributions to the field of allergy have been meritorious, have been elected to honorary fellowship.
Another group that has contributed substantially to allergies, asthma or immunology which the AAAAI has begun to recognize in recent years is made up of non-medical citizens who through lay channels have worked in various ways to promote the field of allergy, asthma and immunology. Many have been active members of voluntary health organizations dedicated to public education and fund-raising activities to support research. Others have sponsored legislation in Congress favorable to allergies. More recently, with the growth of consumerism, citizens have been appointed to advisory boards in increasing numbers. Many of the boards are health oriented and a few also deal with allergies, asthma or immunology.
As the contributions by citizen volunteers become more frequent and take on more importance of the advancement of allergies, asthma, and immunology it seems fitting that distinguished service by individuals of this group should be given recognition by the AAAAI. This Distinguished Layperson Award was established by the AAAAI to be granted once a year to the citizen known to have made the most substantial contribution to the field of allergy.