This past November, the Ohio House of Representatives successfully passed an important piece of legislation, House Bill 296. This bill seeks to better protect children while they are at school, easing the minds of many parents across the state.
Allergic reactions are a concern for many Americans, as the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology estimates that approximately 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy. Furthermore, they can be an even greater concern for children, who may have unknown allergies or may develop an allergy as they age. Therefore, this bill permits public schools, residential camps, and day camps to obtain epinephrine autoinjectors (otherwise known as EpiPens) without a license to use in the circumstance that a child would have a sudden allergic reaction. Many allergic reactions can be severe, or even fatal, and quick and safe treatment is necessary. EpiPens contain a dose of adrenaline that counteracts the effects of such a reaction, potentially saving the child’s life.
Additionally, this bill gives permission to drug manufacturers to donate EpiPens to public schools and camps. It also allows these entities to accept financial donations from individuals for the purchase of EpiPens. These two considerations eliminate some of the cost and financial burden that may be applied to school districts when they procure a supply of EpiPens.
I am proud to be a supporter of this bill and its passage, and I have high hopes that the Ohio Senate will pass it as well. As most of the legislators behind this bill are parents themselves, we all know too well the fear of putting your child’s well-being into another person’s hands. However, when we send our children off to school, it becomes unavoidable. House Bill 296 will allow us to sleep a little easier at night knowing that if our children suffer from a sudden allergic reaction while at school they will be quickly and safely treated.
By giving public schools and camps the authorization to carry EpiPens, we can make such places safer and better equipped for all children in Ohio.
Rep. Green may be reached by calling (614) 644-6034, e-mailing Rep66@ohiohouse.gov, or writing to State Representative Doug Green, 77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215