Lower Bucks Today

State Representatives Bridget M. Kosierowski (D-Lackawanna) and Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) have proposed legislation to mandate the availability of epinephrine auto-injectors in Pennsylvania daycare facilities. The lawmakers emphasized the critical importance of these devices at a Capitol news conference on Monday, highlighting their potential to save lives during allergic reactions.

Kosierowski, who has been a registered nurse for 30 years and is a mother of four, stated, “We all know that no one ever wants to face an emergency with a child. As a nurse, I’ve seen this happen and I know full well how important time is during an emergency.” She added, “When you have a toddler or infant, they are not able to express their concerns, their dangers, their allergies.”

Food allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis among children, a severe condition that can manifest rapidly after exposure to allergens. Marcell noted the dedication of childcare providers in ensuring student safety but stressed the need for additional resources: “Our childcare providers are always working hard to keep their students safe, and we need to better arm them with the tools to do so, especially when seconds count.”

Under current state law, daycare facilities in Pennsylvania have the option but are not required to maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors. The proposed legislation aims to change this by mandating that these facilities obtain prescriptions and maintain a constant supply of the injectors with funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

The bill would also strengthen existing requirements for staff training. Employees would be trained in administering weight-based doses of epinephrine and developing informational materials for parents about recognizing signs and symptoms of allergic reactions.

Jenna Riemenschneider from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America underscored the importance of such measures: “Infants and toddlers ages 0-4 have a higher rate of food allergy than any other age group. This makes early childhood settings...a crucial place for emergency preparedness.”

Dina Hawthorne shared her personal tragedy as part of her advocacy efforts. Her son Elijah died at his daycare facility due to an allergic reaction after being given food containing dairy despite known allergies. Hawthorne remarked on similar laws in other states: “In states where Elijah’s Law has been passed, lives are being saved...These states have shown that when we take action, we protect lives.”

The representatives hope this legislation will provide both parents and caregivers peace of mind by ensuring daycares are equipped and prepared to handle allergic emergencies effectively.