Patient Advocacy Organizations Host Free Webinars on Latex Allergy

VIENNA, Va., Sept. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Allergy & Asthma Network and the American Latex Allergy Association (ALAA) are offering two free webinars in observance of Latex Allergy Awareness Week, October 2-8, 2016.

Latex allergies impact 10-17 percent of healthcare workers and up to 6 percent of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). In addition, 68 percent of children with spina bifida have latex allergy.

"Life-threatening allergies are on the rise around the world, with latex allergy among them; however, many people remain unaware of the threat and necessary treatment," says Tonya Winders, President and CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. "These two webinars will provide the viewer with meaningful information about latex that can be applied as either a patient or clinician."  

In the webinar "Latex Allergy: Addressing Barriers to Emergency Anaphylaxis Care," scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. ET, J. Wesley Sublett, MD, MPH, will remind people that latex is one of the top anaphylactic allergies by addressing barriers to care found within emergency departments and EMS systems. After watching this webinar, participants will have a greater knowledge about emergency care systems and the treatment of anaphylaxis caused by latex allergens.

This webinar is perfect for anyone with a latex allergy as well as those who work or volunteer within the emergency healthcare system. Dr. Sublett will bring his expertise as a member of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology's Anaphylaxis Roundtable Expert Panel on Addressing Barriers to Emergency Anaphylaxis Care; he is a board-certified pediatric allergist at Family Allergy and Asthma in Louisville, Kentucky and an Anaphylaxis Community Expert (ACE) volunteer. To register, visit:
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8457592252192571908 

The second latex allergy webinar, "Overcoming Barriers in the Real World – A Look at Clinical Issues, School Concerns and Living with Latex Allergy," is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. ET.
Join us for this panel presentation webinar with:

• Sandra Gawchik, DO, a board-certified allergist with Allergy & Asthma Associates in Upland, Pennsylvania, a medical advisory board member of the American Latex Allergy Association, and an ACE volunteer;
• Patricia Beierwaltes, DNP, RN, PNP-BC, Assistant Professor, Minnesota State University/Mankato College of Allied Health and Nursing, School of Nursing; and
• Sally Schoessler, MSEd, RN, BSN, Director of Education at Allergy & Asthma Network and former Director of Nursing Education at the National Association of School Nurses.

Dr. Gawchik will discuss latex allergy-related clinical issues, Dr. Beierwaltes will address spina bifida and latex challenges, and Ms. Schoessler will address how these issues affect students at school. To register, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6911499683145152001.

The "2016 Latex Allergy Awareness Week" Webinar Series, a joint project of Allergy & Asthma Network and the American Latex Allergy Association, is sponsored by Mylan Specialty L.P.

About Allergy & Asthma Network
Allergy & Asthma Network is the leading national nonprofit organization dedicated to ending needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions. The Network specializes in sharing family friendly, medically accurate information through its award-winning Allergy & Asthma Today magazine, website at http://www.AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org and numerous community outreach programs. Follow Allergy & Asthma Network at @AllergyAsthmaHQ on Facebook and Twitter.

About ALAA
The American Latex Allergy Association is the leading national nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization whose mission is to create awareness of latex allergy through education and provide support to individuals who have been diagnosed with latex allergy. ALAA has an extensive educational website: http://www.latexallergyresources.org. Follow ALAA on Facebook at American Latex Allergy Association (ALAA) and on Twitter at @latexallergyorg.

About ACE 
The Anaphylaxis Community Experts (ACE) program was developed by Allergy & Asthma Network in partnership with the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), National Association of School Nurses (NASN) and American School Health Association and is sponsored by Mylan Specialty L.P. The program goal is to save lives through showing parents, school staff, emergency responders, and others how to recognize and respond immediately to anaphylaxis symptoms.

To learn more about the ACE program or request an ACE team presentation, email [email protected].

Contact: Gary Fitzgerald
Allergy & Asthma Network
703-641-9595
[email protected]

SOURCE Allergy & Asthma Network