We read ingredient labels, call ahead to restaurants, and never leave home without epinephrine. But staying safer with severe food allergies doesn’t just happen in kitchens, schools, and restaurants — it also happens in legislative offices.
That’s where advocacy comes in.
By contacting government representatives and sharing their experiences, individuals can help local, state, and federal officials better understand the real-life challenges of living with food allergies. Personal stories also show lawmakers that these issues matter deeply to their constituents — and deserve legislative attention and action.
In New York State, past advocacy has helped lead to important protections we benefit from today such as expanded training in the use of epinephrine, greater access to this life-saving medication, and improved allergen labeling on food packaging.
Still, there is more work to do. Efforts continue to support additional legislation that could help keep people safer, including expanded public stocking of epinephrine and clearer menu labeling.
Allergy Advocates New York is not the only organization that recognizes and values the important role patients and caregivers play in raising awareness, engaging lawmakers, and helping move legislation forward.
The Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN) has launched its Patient Advocacy Leadership Initiative (PALI), a monthly webinar series designed to educate and empower patients and caregivers to become effective advocates and champions for change.
Sessions throughout the year will explore healthcare policy topics, explain how laws and regulations are made, and highlight ways advocates can get involved. The program also includes skill-building and hands-on guidance, such as how to write policy briefs and prepare public comments. Just as importantly, it offers a sense of community and opportunities to connect with fellow advocates, lawmakers, and policy leaders.
Click here to learn more about the Patient Advocacy Leadership Initiative and register for the next session. Topics will include the federal and state lawmaking process, healthcare spending including drug pricing, and how to craft and share a compelling patient advocacy story.
The full 2026 Webinar Training Schedule, along with replays of previous sessions, can be found here.
About the Author
Kristen Stewart is the Communications Manager for AANY, where she writes about allergies, anaphylaxis, advocacy, and practical resources for individuals, families, and communities.