Florida Schools to Enhance Allergy Training for Staff

School staff participate in training to handle food allergies effectively.

News Summary

In a significant move to safeguard students with food allergies, Florida schools will implement new training protocols for staff on managing anaphylaxis. Following an advocacy campaign led by a local mother, the new law mandates that personnel in public elementary and middle schools receive training on administering emergency epinephrine to students. This legislation aims to improve safety and health protocols in response to the rising number of children affected by severe food allergies.

Orlando

Florida schools will implement new training protocols for staff regarding anaphylaxis management following an advocacy campaign by a local mother. Effective July 1, a new law mandates that personnel in public elementary and middle schools, including staff involved in before- and after-school programs, receive training on administering emergency epinephrine to students with severe food allergies.

The legislation comes in response to growing concerns about food allergies among children. Currently, statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 13 children has a food allergy, with fatalities from anaphylaxis incidents estimated at 150 to 200 each year. With food allergies reportedly on the rise, it is crucial for school staff to be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to manage potential allergic reactions safely.

Background on Advocacy

The new law stems from the advocacy efforts of Sherry Isler, a mother from Orange County, whose son, Lincoln, has severe allergies to common foods, including dairy, peas, chickpeas, and lentils. Since Lincoln was in kindergarten, Isler has been pushing for improved safety protocols in schools to protect children like her son, who require immediate medical attention in case of an allergic reaction.

Lincoln’s condition requires the use of EpiPens, and during his time in before and after-school programs, Isler experienced firsthand the implications of inadequate staff training. Specifically, Lincoln was denied participation in a program when staff members were untrained to administer his EpiPen during emergencies. The program’s director, who herself had an anaphylactic child, stated that they would call 911 instead of providing the necessary immediate care, a stance Isler found unacceptable.

Legislative Developments

In response to these safety concerns, Isler and other advocates lobbied for legislative change. Their efforts culminated in the introduction of Senate Bill 1514, which Lincoln supported through testimony before the Florida Senate Committee. The bill passed unanimously in both the Florida House and Senate, indicating strong bipartisan support for enhanced allergy management protocols in schools.

The newly enacted law mandates that schools develop effective emergency action plans for students with food allergies. This includes comprehensive training on recognizing allergic reactions and administering epinephrine, ensuring that designated staff members are prepared to act promptly should a student experience an anaphylactic episode.

Impact and Future Efforts

As the law comes into effect, Isler expressed hope that it will lead to improvements in health and safety protocols for children with food allergies throughout Florida. The careful training and planning mandated by the legislation should reduce the risks faced by students and potentially prevent serious incidents related to food allergies.

Moreover, ongoing legislative efforts aim to strengthen training protocols and expand allergy management policies across the state. These initiatives underscore the escalating importance of allergy awareness and the need for proper staff intervention capabilities in schools, where about two children in every classroom are affected by food allergies.

With the new law in place, Florida schools are expected to take necessary steps toward safeguarding the well-being of students with food allergies, marking a significant advancement in school health policies aimed at preventing allergic reactions and protecting vulnerable children.