Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

It is proposed that the AllerGen Café Scientifique be held at a school in Peel Region, as it is the largest school board in Ontario with a very diverse population. Based on the evidence about the September asthma spike epidemic, timing proposed is the 3rd week of September. This is a difficult time for children with asthma and when exacerbations happen, it takes children out of school at a critical point in the academic year. It is not only disruptive but also causes family members to miss work and places significant seasonal pressure on the healthcare system. The aim of the AllerGen Café Scientifique is to invite the public to an accessible and informal discussion with asthma and allergy experts in order to: - Make the public more aware of the September and December asthma spikes in school age children and how these months relate to triggers of asthma attacks - Offer specific, evidence-based preventive and management strategies - Inform the public about current research about the origins of asthma and efforts to reduce the impact of asthma and improve quality of life.