Sen. Smith to Introduce Bill to Prevent Allergy Deaths in Schools

HARRISBURG, Pa. - May 9, 2013 - PRLog -- HARRISBURG, PA, May 9, 2013 – Pennsylvania Sen. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny/Washington, will introduce legislation next week that would require schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, in a secure location to be used by designated personnel to treat an anaphylactic reaction.

Smith will introduce Senate Bill 898 on Tuesday, May 14, and will be joined at 10 am that morning at the Capitol Media Center in the Main Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pa., by physicians and families and advocates of children with food allergies to discuss the importance of the bill in potentially savings children’s lives.

Pennsylvania schools have been encouraged in the past to keep on hand a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors. An epinephrine injector sends adrenaline into the victim’s system to slow down the allergic reaction, providing emergency personnel time to treat victims – often saving their lives. Because children exposed to a potential food allergy need immediate medical attention, requiring epinephrine injectors to be kept at school will save children’s lives.

“The number of children with food allergies and the incidence of life-threatening allergic reactions to food in schools are rising,” said Sen. Smith. “Schools are meant to be a safe place for children. It’s not enough to encourage schools to stock epinephrine injectors. To truly protect our children, we must ensure they have access to life-saving medication.”

Similar laws mandating schools stock epinephrine have been passed recently. Last year, Virginia and Maryland passed laws requiring schools to keep a supply of epinephrine on hand, bringing the total number of states requiring schools to stock the medication to eight.

This year, Kentucky passed a law in April encouraging schools to keep emergency medication on hand for children who suffer severe, life-threatening allergic reactions. A Florida bill is awaiting the governor's signature, and in Washington, a new law expands the ability for school nurses to administer epinephrine to any student, not just one diagnosed with an allergy.