Whereas, 3.4 percent of adults and 8 percent of children have asthma, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations of Michigan residents each year; and,

Whereas, Over 100 new cases of work related asthma are diagnosed annually; and,

Whereas, globally, the economic costs of asthma are estimated to be greater than those of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS combined, and in the United States alone asthma costs more than $11 billion each year; and,

Whereas, Michigan’s response to asthma has been considerable, including the formation of many local asthma coalitions, and the development of case management and patient education programs proven to improve patient’s health and lives; and,

Whereas, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergies through education, advocacy and research; and,

Whereas, AAFA is a premier organization to which patients and their families turn for education and support in managing their asthma and allergies; and,

Whereas, The AAFA is celebrating its 50th year of service to individuals with asthma and allergies; and now therefore be it,