In the early 1960s, a small group of experts in the field of Allergy and Immunology began meeting to share and promote common interests in their chosen field. At that time, Denver was an internationally recognized center for research and the application of basic and clinical immunology and asthma care. As such, initial members were some of the pioneers of this sub-specialty. Among such notable individuals were Samuel Bukantz, Henry Claman, Hyman Chai, Elliott Ellis, Richard Farr, Constantine Falliers, Peter Kohler, Elliott Middleton, Harold Nelson, David Pearlman, Andor Szentivanyi, Jack Selner and David Talmage.

Initially named the Colorado Allergy Society, the name was later changed to the Colorado Allergy and Asthma Society (CAAS) to reflect the members’ keen interest in the care and well being of asthma patients and similar interest alignments with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) and the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

The Colorado Allergy and Asthma Society was organized for the purpose of bringing together physicians and other persons interested in the disciplines of Allergy and Immunology who reside in the state of Colorado. The Society is organized exclusively for scientific and educational purposes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

CHAMP CAMP, an educational program and week-long summer camp for children ages 7-14 with asthma, was started in 1980 in concert with CAAS, led by member Dr. Jerry Buckley, and coordinated by the American Lung Association of Colorado.  CHAMP CAMP is supported by the Society both financially and by Society members serving as CAMP physicians and administrators.

In 1982, CAAS was instrumental in organizing the Aspen Allergy Conference, which still takes place today. This international conference held in Aspen, Colorado is structured to host three state-of-the-art speakers from around the United States and abroad for four consecutive half-day and thematic meetings.

Meetings and society activities are organized around the academic year, typically July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Dinner meetings consist of dinner and a scientific presentation by a nationally or internationally known leader in the field of Allergy and Immunology, followed by a business meeting to discuss local, state and national matters and concerns regarding patient care and concerns. To learn more about CAAS membership, please visit our Benefits of Membership page.