Chicago Asthma Consortium Educational Forum Empowers Health Workers with Certified Resources for Asthma Education
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On June 27, the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program joined local leaders in Chicago to support a powerful, hands-on event aimed at advancing asthma education and community health.
Hosted by the Chicago Asthma Consortium (CAC), the Community Health Worker Educational Forum, titled "Building Knowledge, Building Health", brought together over 100 community health workers for an afternoon of training, collaboration, and action. The Certification Program participated as a lead contributor and content partner, alongside CAC, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), and generous Certified partners.
As part of the event's "Party for a Purpose" session, attendees packed 500 Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Resource Tote Bags filled with valuable AAFA educational materials and contributions from Certified partners. These kits will now support asthma outreach efforts in schools, clinics, and community centers throughout Chicago.
"Through this collaboration with the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program the Chicago Asthma Consortium (CAC) was able to access and share valuable resources for healthy environments for vulnerable populations and further raise awareness about certified products and practices that reduce asthma and allergy triggers in homes, schools, and community settings," said Rachelle Paul-Brutus, Executive Director of the Chicago Asthma Consortium. "Our vision behind this forum that was spearheaded by CHWs was to create a platform where CHWs are able to network, learn from each other, share experiences and encourage each other. They are the "Superheroes" for the most vulnerable and the CAC believes that we ought to give them the tools and the platform to be successful."
The initiative was inspired by Dr. Sharmilee Nyenhuis, Chair of the CAC Community Advisory Board, who had approached the Certification Program with the idea of connecting Certified resources directly with families managing asthma. Her vision and leadership helped bring this collaborative effort to life.
"Partnering with the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program for the Chicago Asthma Consortium's Community Health Worker Forum has reinforced my belief in the power of community-driven health solutions," said Dr. Sharmilee Nyenhuis. "By equipping asthma community health workers with the tools and knowledge they need, we empower them to be catalysts for change—advocating for healthier homes and environments."
The event was made possible by the generous sponsorship of Knauf North America, a manufacturer of Certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly® insulation products. Knauf's support enabled the Certification Program's full participation and helped deliver meaningful resources directly to the community.
"Knauf is proud to support the Chicago Asthma Consortium and their critical work in asthma education and outreach," said Tim Cofran, Director of Marketing at Knauf. "Community Health Workers are everyday heroes, making a real difference in the health of underserved communities. We're grateful to support their efforts to strengthen neighborhoods, promote healthier living environments, and drive better outcomes for families."
The Certification Program also extends appreciation to Certified partners Renegade Brands, SIJO, Alen, Blueair, Downlite, Rabbit Air, and Kleenex® for their generous donations of spot prizes and promotional discounts, supporting community health workers and equipping them with tools to share with the families they serve.
The event reflected the mission of the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program: to reduce the burden of asthma through science-based solutions, independently Certified products, and trusted partnerships with community organizations.
About the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program
The Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program is a unique, groundbreaking collaboration between the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL). The program tests and certifies products against strict standards to prove their suitability for people with asthma and allergies. Products passing these tests earn the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Mark. The Certification Program works with retailers and manufacturers to offer consumers products for a healthier home.
Certified products include air cleaners, air filters, paints, bedding, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, cleaning products, and more. Visit aafa.org/certified for more information.
Media Contact
Sarajane Sparks, Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program, 1 540-538-3286, [email protected] , https://www.asthmaandallergyfriendly.com/USA/
SOURCE Asthma & Allergy Friendly® Certification Program
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