JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 16, 2025) — As asthma and allergy rates continue to soar across Florida, Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc. is stepping forward with a deeper commitment to the health and well-being of Floridians. Simply Healthcare is partnering with the Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue (AAIR), a national nonprofit that equips families with life-saving resources and education. This collaboration reflects Simply Healthcare’s long-standing objective to support proactive, whole health solutions and improve health outcomes across the state.

Through this partnership, Simply Healthcare is making a significant investment to expand AAIR’s reach and help reduce asthma-related complications, hospitalizations, and missed school days among Florida’s most vulnerable children. The effort aims not only to deliver critical tools to families but also to build a sustainable path forward for asthma management in the state.

The stakes are high. Florida faces one of the highest pediatric asthma rates in the country. Nearly 20 percent of children in the state receive an asthma diagnosis — triple the national average. Jacksonville, in particular, ranks among the top 20 cities in the state for asthma-related emergency room visits. Nationwide, more than 10 people die each day from asthma attacks, and the condition carries a staggering $80 billion economic burden annually.

“At Simply Healthcare, we're focused on delivering transformative and impactful healthcare solutions that address the whole health of entire communities across our state,” said Dana Gryniuk, Simply Healthcare’s Medicaid plan president. "Our partnership with AAIR reflects our deep commitment to addressing real challenges with meaningful solutions. By empowering families and schools with essential resources, we're advancing a healthier future for all Floridians.”

As a part of this collaboration, Simply Healthcare recently sponsored a dedicated volunteer initiative in Jacksonville, where more than 100 Duval County school nurses came together to assemble 320 ‘New Diagnosis Kits.’ These kits include backpacks that contain asthma care supplies, such as inhaler spacers, educational materials, asthma action plans, and comfort items like hypoallergenic teddy bears. They empower children and their caregivers from the moment of diagnosis.

“Humidity, mold, pollen — Jacksonville has most of the asthma triggers for kids. That’s why this partnership with Simply Healthcare means so much,” said Chris Martinez, CEO of AAIR. “We’re honored to work with a partner who understands the urgency and the opportunity. Together, we’re not just reacting to asthma. We’re preparing families, empowering schools, and building resilience community-wide.”

While the Jacksonville event is one example, Simply Healthcare and AAIR have a shared vision that extends well beyond a single day. Their work together is focusing on education, outreach, resource development, and policy collaboration to create a healthier future for children across Florida.

This partnership marks a new chapter in Simply Healthcare’s ongoing commitment to whole health and community wellness. As more families face the challenges of asthma and allergy management, Simply Healthcare and AAIR stand united in their resolve to ensure that every child in Florida has the support they need to breathe easy and live fully.

To learn more about asthma education, resources, and ways to protect children from severe asthma complications, families should visit local health providers, school nurse offices, or national advocacy organizations like AAIR.

About Simply Healthcare Plans

Simply Healthcare Plans, Inc., is a Florida managed health care plan that serves Medicare Advantage and Medicaid members in the state of Florida. In addition, Simply, through a line of business called Clear Health Alliance, also serves Florida Medicaid members who are living with HIV/AIDS. Our goal is to provide healthcare and related services that are comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Each and every day, members of our team can be found in Florida communities, listening to our members, interacting with our health care providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Our goal is to ensure members and entire communities are empowered to become active participants in their health care and sustain healthy lifestyles. To learn more about Simply, visit www.simplyhealthcareplans.com.

About the Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue (AAIR)

The Foundation for Asthma and Allergy Impact and Rescue (AAIR) is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children are rescued at school, healthy at home, and connected to care. With over 40 years of experience, AAIR provides life-saving resources, education, and advocacy to families affected by asthma and allergies. Their programs, such as the RESCUE initiative, equip schools with essential medical supplies and training to manage asthma emergencies effectively. AAIR's mission is to create a world where every child can breathe and eat safely, regardless of their circumstances. To learn more, visit: www.weareaair.org.