[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Congressperson's Name]
[Congressperson's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Congressperson's Name],

I am writing to urge you to support increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) dedicated to addressing food allergy health disparities among underserved and minority communities. Studies have shown significant disparities in food allergy prevalence, severity, and access to care in these populations, and now is the time for immediate action. See, e.g., Gupta, R. S., et al., 2011, The Prevalence, Severity, and Distribution of Childhood Food Allergy in the United States, The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(2), 594-602.

Children and adults in underserved communities face greater barriers to diagnosis, treatment, and access to life-saving medications like epinephrine auto-injectors. Additionally, innovative treatments like oral immunotherapy , such as Palforzia, are often out of reach for underserved populations due to cost and access barriers. These inequities are a pressing public health issue that requires targeted funding to ensure healthcare equity for all.

We need NIH funding to:

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• Expand access to life-saving treatments by ensuring affordable and equitable distribution of epinephrine auto-injectors and oral immunotherapy options, like Palforzia, in underserved communities.

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• Develop targeted education programs for healthcare providers, schools, and families in these communities to reduce the risk of severe allergic reactions.

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• Support clinical trials that include underrepresented minority groups to ensure that treatments like Palforzia are both effective and accessible for all populations.

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• Provide resources for community-based outreach to raise awareness and offer preventive care, as well as treatment options like immunotherapy, for food allergies.

Addressing food allergy health equity is not just a matter of public health—it’s a matter of justice. With increased funding, the NIH can play a pivotal role in leveling the playing field and advancing food allergy health equity by making treatments like Palforzia and other life-saving interventions more accessible.

I respectfully ask that you champion this cause and advocate for increased NIH funding specifically focused on food allergy health equity, including the expansion of immunotherapy treatment options. Together, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the care and treatments they need to live healthy, safe lives.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]