As part of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI)Advocacy Strike Force, Dr. Petersen met with members of Congress and their staff to discuss the proposed Allergy and Asthma Patient Protection Act. This legislation is designed to safeguard patient access to specialty care by addressing insurance-related barriers, including declining reimbursement, coverage denials, and administrative burden that can limit availability of essential services such as allergy testing and immunotherapy. The ACAAI’s annual Strike Force brings clinicians directly to Capitol Hill to ensure policymakers understand how these systemic challenges affect both providers and the patients they serve.
Dr. Petersen also participated in advocacy activities with the Asthma and Allergy Network, meeting with North Carolina legislators as part of the national Allergy and Asthma Day on Capitol Hill initiative. This annual event brings together patients, clinicians, and advocates from across the country to share personal experiences and advance federal priorities focused on access, affordability, and quality of care.
During these conversations, Dr. Petersen highlighted the real-world impact of allergic disease through stories from families participating in the OUtMATCH clinical trial at UNC Children’s. This landmark, National Institutes of Health-supported study is evaluating new treatment approaches for children with multiple food allergies, including the use of omalizumab to reduce the risk of allergic reactions after accidental exposure. Early results show meaningful increases in the amount of allergenic foods that children can tolerate, representing a significant step forward in improving safety and quality of life.
Food allergy affects millions of children and families nationwide, and sharing patient experiences alongside clinical expertise underscores the importance of sustained investment in research and equitable access to care. These efforts align with the broader mission of UNC Health and the Department of Pediatrics to advance child health through discovery, advocacy, and compassionate care.
Dr. Petersen’s engagement on Capitol Hill reflects UNC’s commitment to improving outcomes for children not only at the bedside, but also through informed policy leadership. Clinician advocacy remains essential to shaping systems of care and advancing evidence-based solutions for the communities we serve.