Food Allergy Awareness Week

May 15, 2019

In observation of Food Allergy Week, Sen. Lesser and I held a press conference today urging support/passage of SB 706, An Act Concerning Epinephrine Auto Injectors. After a decade of advocating for safe and inclusive food allergy policies in schools, in our community and in businesses, I am proud to now, as a legislator, be able to help guide Connecticut’s statewide healthcare policies to support parents and together bring this important issue to the forefront.

The legislation would increase access to epinephrine in public places, including theme parks, restaurants, day care centers, and overnight camps. With passage of the bill, Connecticut would join 33 other states and the District of Columbia, that have already passed similar legislation allowing public venues to maintain an epinephrine auto injector supply for anyone having a life threatening allergic reaction.

The bill also grants immunity from civil and criminal liability to non- licensed health care providers and others that administer an epinephrine auto-injector to save lives.

I want to thank the advocates, parents, and everyone standing in support of this important legislation.