A community event organized by the Arts4All Foundation on May 22, 2026, highlighted the urgent need for asthma awareness and introduced the Universal Declaration of Asthma Rights, focusing on the increasing rates of asthma in Queens, New York.
On May 22, 2026, the Arts4All Foundation held a significant event to commemorate National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. This initiative featured the launch of the Universal Declaration of Asthma Rights, a comprehensive document outlining the rights of individuals suffering from asthma. The program aimed to address the alarming rise in respiratory and lung health conditions, particularly the increasing asthma rates in Queens, New York.
The event was attended by key figures in the healthcare and local government sectors, including Alina Moran, the Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst, and Dr. Sumita SenGupta, the founder of the Arts4All Foundation. Dr. SenGupta, who also authored the declaration, emphasized the severity of asthma’s impact, stating, “Every year between 400,000 and 460,000 lives worldwide are taken by asthma; that is 11 Americans per day and roughly 299 New Yorkers annually, in which the overwhelming majority of these deaths are preventable. Premature deaths caused by manageable illnesses are unacceptable and an infringement on our most basic human rights.”
Background on Asthma in Queens
Dr. Alfredo Astua, Chief of Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine, highlighted that asthma rates in New York are rising at an unprecedented rate, disproportionately affecting children and seniors. Currently, approximately 203,000 residents of Queens are diagnosed with active asthma, with young children exhibiting the highest rates of hospitalization and respiratory complications. Furthermore, the data indicates that Black, Latino, and Asian elderly populations are three times more likely to die from asthma-related complications.
Dr. Purvi Parikh, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Asthma and Allergy, participated in the event via video call, discussing the systemic issues contributing to the rise of asthma in New York. She pointed out that nearly 2 million New Yorkers suffer from asthma, a number that continues to escalate due to environmental factors such as heavy traffic, high air pollution, and industrial zoning patterns. These factors significantly impact the health and quality of life of residents in densely populated neighborhoods.
Dr. Parikh remarked, “The after-effects of the pandemic coupled with the changes in traffic patterns and higher rates of congestion, especially in diverse neighborhoods in the outer boroughs, are directly correlated with the rise in asthma rates.” She underscored that asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism and the third leading cause of hospitalization among children under 15, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions.
Personal Accounts and Community Engagement
During the event, Ivonne Sanchez, a retired EMT and 9/11 first responder, shared her personal struggles with asthma, attributing her condition to exposure to toxins at Ground Zero. “Long-term lung inflammation, asthma, and respiratory conditions do not run in my family, and I was not born with asthma, but I, like many of my fellow 9/11 first responders, suffer from chronic asthma and developed cancer due to the heightened exposure to World Trade Center dust without proper equipment to protect our lungs and upper airways,” she explained. Sanchez expressed gratitude to Dr. SenGupta and NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst for their efforts in raising awareness about the health challenges faced by first responders.
Additionally, the event featured a poignant testimony from five-year-old Ambika Devi SenGupta, who shared her experiences living with asthma. “Living with asthma can be hard, but you are not alone because I have asthma too, and you can get better with help. When I get sick, I am not well for longer than other kids, and if I run or play too fast, I can feel super tired,” she said. Ambika emphasized the importance of medication in managing asthma symptoms, reinforcing the message of hope and support for those affected by the condition.
Community Support and Resources
The Arts4All Foundation provided 500 free gifts during the event, which included nasal strips, allergy-friendly treats, anxiety-support toys, and educational materials designed to help individuals identify triggers and manage asthma symptoms. Local businesses also contributed to the community effort, with Gyanu Thapa, owner of Gorkhali Restaurant, and Rekha Shrestha, owner of Sunrise Karahi House, donating freshly prepared lunches for attendees. Desserts were provided by Shree Devi SenGupta, Dr. SenGupta’s daughter, further emphasizing the community’s collective commitment to addressing asthma and allergy awareness.
The event not only highlighted the urgent need for asthma awareness and community support but also served as a platform for advocating for systemic changes to improve health outcomes for those affected by asthma in Queens and beyond. As asthma rates continue to rise, the Universal Declaration of Asthma Rights aims to empower communities and promote essential health protections for vulnerable populations.
