National Alliance for Hispanic Health to Raise Awareness Among Hispanics About Anaphylaxis

Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 11, 2013

“Severe allergic reactions are serious, and they can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. Hispanics need to know what anaphylaxis is, how to prevent it, and above all, what to do if they or their children have an anaphylactic reaction. It can mean the difference between life and death,” said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance).

The Alliance conducted a national survey to learn about knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding severe allergic reactions (also called anaphylaxis) among Hispanics. Based on the results, a Spanish-language resource on this condition was developed to provide information about the causes and prevention of anaphylaxis with a special focus on school-aged children. Survey results revealed the following findings:

• Hispanics are less likely than non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites to have been told that they have an allergy by a health care provider.
• Hispanics are the least likely group to know what anaphylaxis is, any of its signs or symptoms, or that it can be treated. In addition, almost 40% of the Hispanics that believe anaphylaxis can be prevented do not know how to do so.
• Food was the fourth most commonly reported allergen among Hispanic children by their parents.
• Of the Hispanics that completed the survey, 15% gave their local schools an “F” on their ability to respond to a child’s anaphylactic reaction.

The Alliance with a sponsorship from Mylan Specialty L.P. conducted this important survey and developed the resource for consumers. The bilingual publication Let’s Talk About Anaphylaxis covers the basics about anaphylaxis, risk factors, treatment, steps families may take to protect their children, and recent federal guidelines to ensure children are protected at school.    

“These statistics demonstrate the need for further education and dialogue about anaphylaxis in Hispanic communities across the nation,” said Roger D. Graham, Jr., president of Mylan Specialty. “Mylan Specialty is proud to support this new bilingual resource that will help Hispanics recognize the signs and symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction and understand how to respond if anaphylaxis occurs.”

“With the new Spanish-language resource, we hope to close the knowledge gap among Hispanics that this survey has identified. Consumers can also call our toll- free Su Familia Helpline at 1-866-783-2645 to get answers to their questions about anaphylaxis and referrals to health resources in their communities,” said Dr. Delgado.

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About the National Alliance for Hispanic Health
The Alliance is the nation’s foremost science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The Alliance represents thousands of Hispanic health providers across the nation providing services to more than 15 million each year, making a daily difference in the lives of Hispanic communities and families. For more information, visit http://www.hispanichealth.org, find us on Facebook at facebook.com/healthyamericas, or call the Alliance’s Su Familia National Hispanic Family Health Helpline at 1-866-783-2645.

About Mylan Specialty
Mylan Specialty, a subsidiary of Mylan Inc., is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription drug products for the treatment of respiratory diseases, life-threatening allergic reactions and psychiatric disorders. For more information, please visit http://www.mylanspecialty.com.

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