Legislators Want to Prevent Death, Disability Due to Unexpected Anaphylaxis Reaction at Schools
PHOENIX, ARIZ. (Feb. 6, 2013) – The Arizona Food Allergy Alliance (AFAA) applauds Senators Linda Lopez, David Bradley, Leah Landrum Taylor; Judy Burges, Jack Jackson Jr., Al Melvin and Kelli Ward, as well as Representatives Doris Goodale, Phil Lovas and Ethan Orr for crossing party aisles to save the lives of Arizona school children through their introduction of SB 1421. The bill says that public schools in Arizona shall stock epinephrine auto-injectors to be administered in the event of a life-threatening allergic reaction to foods and insect stings.

“We are so appreciative of the legislators for introducing this bill that is going to help save lives,” said Lisa Horne, president and founder of the Arizona Food Allergy Alliance. “It will help schools plan and prepare for unexpected life-threatening reactions, which every day are becoming more common place.”

In a study by Pediatrics 22 percent of the individuals who were treated with epinephrine at a school district in Massachusetts did not know they were allergic. This included a number of faculty with adult onset allergies and related anaphylaxis.

“Furthermore there is currently no law in place to support schools with stocking epinephrine auto-injectors for unexpected life-threatening allergic reaction,” said Lisa Horne....