I write to request your support for HB1259. This bill will increase awareness for the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis – a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction – in daycare settings in Pennsylvania. Otherwise known as Elijah’s Law following the tragic death of Elijah Silvera in the state of New York in November 2017 who was fed a grilled-cheese sandwich at a day care facility despite their knowing of his dairy allergy, this bill will ensure a safe and effective educational environment for students with food allergies. There are 32 million Americans living with severe allergies to food, insect venom, medication and latex. Many of them are at risk for anaphylaxis which causes approximately 1,500 deaths annually. Today, one in 13 children has food allergies, or roughly two in every classroom. Infants and toddlers are particularly at risk as the rate of anaphylaxis is higher in children ages 0-to-4 than in any other age group, and without proper awareness through training, recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is particularly hard with infants and toddlers (as they often respond different to allergens AND they cannot describe their symptoms). It is imperative that special considerations be in place for daycare settings regarding anaphylaxis understanding. Every childcare provider needs to have best-practice policies and procedures in place to prevent anaphylaxis, the training to recognize an anaphylactic event, and should an event occur, the means to treat by administering the appropriate weight-based dosage of epinephrine for the infants/toddlers under their care. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope this legislation becomes law to prepare the childcare staff to respond appropriately when an emergency allergic reaction occurs.

As your constituent, I write to request your support for HB1259 to increase awareness for the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis – a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction – in daycare settings. This bill otherwise known as Elijah’s Law following the tragic death of Elijah Silvera in the state of New York in November 2017 who was fed a grilled-cheese sandwich at a day care facility despite their knowing of his dairy allergy will ensure a safe and effective educational environment for students with food allergies. There are 32 million Americans living with severe allergies to food, insect venom, medication and latex. Many of them are at risk for anaphylaxis which causes approximately 1,500 deaths annually. Today, one in 13 children has food allergies, or roughly two in every classroom. Infants and toddlers are particularly at risk as the rate of anaphylaxis is higher in children ages 0-to-4 than in any other age group, and without proper awareness through training, recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis is particularly hard with infants and toddlers (as they often respond different to allergens AND they cannot describe their symptoms). It is imperative that special considerations be in place for daycare settings regarding anaphylaxis understanding. Every childcare provider needs to have best-practice policies and procedures in place to prevent anaphylaxis, the training to recognize an anaphylactic event, and should an event occur, the means to treat by administering the appropriate weight-based dosage of epinephrine for the infants/toddlers under their care. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope this legislation becomes law in PA to prepare the childcare staff to respond appropriately when an emergency allergic reaction occurs.