On December 17, 2013, Gov. Rick Snyder signed into law a pair of bills sponsored by Rep. Lisa Lyons (R-Alto) that will protect Michigan children suffering from dangerous and life-threatening food allergies at school. MSMS worked with the Michigan Allergy & Asthma Society to support the bills.

The new law requires public schools to have two epinephrine devices on site and to ensure at least two staff members are trained to use them. It will take effect in the next academic year.

Children are among the most vulnerable to allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can be fatal within minutes through swelling that shuts off airways or through a drop in blood pressure. Kids who are exposed to a potential food allergy need immediate help in the critical minutes following an exposure.

"There's nothing more important than keeping our kids safe and healthy, and lawmakers took a big step in that direction today by voting to protect them from life-threatening food allergies at school," said MSMS President Kenneth Elmassian, DO.

Matthew Greenhawt, MD, an allergist at the University of Michigan, testified in support of the bills, added: "Death from an allergic reaction can be 100% preventable with epinephrine. I applaud the state Legislature for recognizing this, and swiftly ratifying a bill that can help prevent any further tragic, and unnecessary outcomes. Their decision to put epinephrine in every school makes Michigan a national leader that other states should follow when it comes to student safety."

For more information about state legislative advocacy, contact Colin Ford at MSMS at 517-336-5737 or cford@msms.org.