SPRINGFIELD – To highlight the struggles of individuals with allergies and asthma, State Senator Adriane Johnson championed the effort to declare May 2026 as Illinois Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

“Millions of children and adults live with asthma and allergies every day, yet these conditions are often overlooked or misunderstood,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Greater awareness leads to better support in schools, workplaces and communities.”

The resolution brings attention to the realities of asthma. Annually there are one million asthma related emergency room visits per year. Asthma claimed over 3,000 lives in 2023 in the United States. The total economic cost of asthma in the United States was $81.9 billion per year from 2008 to 2013, which is approximately $115 billion today when adjusted for inflation.

In addition to the resolution, Johnson is leading House Bill 4247, which would add practice fields and gyms to the list of secure locations that schools may maintain a supply of asthma medication and allows coaches and athletic trainers to administer that medication.

Approximately 21.8 million people in the United States have food allergies, including about 3.9 million children. Children with food allergies are two to four times more likely to have asthma or other allergic diseases. Over the past 20 years, food allergies have increased among children in the United States, with the greatest increase being seen in Black children.

“Raising awareness about asthma and allergies promotes preparedness and compassion,” Johnson said. “When communities understand these conditions, they are better equipped to respond to emergencies and improve quality of life for those affected.”

Senate Resolution 701 was adopted Wednesday.