Free EpiPens for Schools

EpiPens for Schools

This spring I wrote that our school buildings now have stock epinephrine available for anyone who experiences an anaphylactic reaction.

Great news!

I received news today that schools can apply for free EpiPens through the EpiPen4Schools program.

Even better!

I just sent the information to our school nurse (the forms need to be completed and sent by the school nurse) and would encourage you to do the same. The nurse also must sign off agreeing that the school will "make best efforts to provide appropriate product training to any School personnel who may
administer an EpiPen® or EpiPen Jr® Auto-Injector".  Interested school representatives can also call 1-973-845-7600 to speak with a representative about the program.

I do applaud Mylan and BioRidge Pharma for making this program available to schools.

Is your child's school training staff and making epinephrine available for anyone who may need it?

Making EpiPens Publicly Available for Allergic Reactions

I recently learned that our school district now has stock Epipens in all buildings. The rationale for this was in the event of a sheltering-in situation, additional emergency medications for food and insect allergic reactions may need to be available. I am unclear what happens when these medications expire. Where is the funding for extra Epipens going to come from, and who is keeping track of expiration dates?

Our school buildings already have defibrillators. "A Dangerous Allergy to Change", by Gillian Tett in FT magazine talks about the Good Samaritan Law leading to installation of defibrillators and questions why Epipens are not treated in the same manner.

The Virginia senate has sent an Epipen bill to the governor for signature following the death of an elementary student allergic to peanuts. Are we heading to nationwide availability of stock epinephrine in our schools, parks and other public places? It certainly makes sense from a health perspective, but I understand the concerns when it comes to cost and tracking of expired meds.

Does your school stock epinephrine? Would you be more apt to travel to places, say Disney, if you knew there was epinephrine readily available in the event of an anaphylactic emergency?

Food Allergy Program for Schools

The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis (FAAN) has published a newly revised "School Food Allergy Program". It is now available for purchase. This updated version includes Safe@School®, a CD-Rom, which provides educators with a slide presentation and talking points to train others about food allergies. This comprehensive guide is for schools at every level with information geared toward principals, teachers, school nurses, food service staff, and parents.

Is this something your school could use? Talk to your principal, school nurse or parent teacher organization if you think this would be a valuable resource for your school. At $80 ($75 for FAAN members), you may believe it to be a worthwhile holiday gift for your child's school.

Food Allergy at School

Check out Linda Coss's article, "Attack of the Killer Peanut Butter Sandwiches". It offers a clear explanation to teachers and school administrators about how we all need to keep kids with food allergies safe. Linda encourages parents to share this piece with school officials when planning for the upcoming school year.

Food Allergy and School Nurses

Parents of food allergic children rely on their school nurses when it comes to keeping their children safe at school. The trouble is that school nurses don't always feel they have the tools to protect children with food allergies.

A recent study reported in The Journal of School Nursing reveals weaknesses in these areas:

emergency plan development
staff education
delegation
developing guidelines for banning foods
planning school trips

The school nurses surveyed indicated a willingness to gain more knowledge in these areas. Their preference was that this be done via video and internet resources through professional organizations.

As more and more children are diagnosed with food allergies, it is imperative that our school nurses have the education and tools they need. Who is filling this need?