EAU & H4CE Announce
Support of HB424 “Epilepsy Training in Public Schools”
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Thursday,
March 5, 2015
The
Epilepsy Association of Utah and Hope 4 Children With Epilepsy announce their
support of HB424 “Epilepsy Training in Public Schools”, a bill introduced last
week by Rep. Doug Sagers. The bill requires that school districts allow the administration of
epilepsy rescue medications to students, as prescribed by a physician, and
provide training to volunteer “first responders” who are willing to administer
the medication as needed.
A
family in Rep. Doug Sager’s district brought this issue to him, as they are
concerned with their school’s seizure response protocol for their child. Because
each school district establishes their unique guidelines for seizure response, some
districts elect not to allow the administration of rescue medications, instead
requiring that school personnel call 911 and wait for emergency responders to
arrive and treat the seizure or transport the student to a hospital for
treatment. This process results in varying and unpredictable lengths of time
between seizure start time and treatment. Students suffer through their seizures
until emergency personnel begin treatment that could be initiated promptly and
safely by volunteers at the scene.
HB424
does not require school personnel to administer rescue medication. It directs
schools to allow volunteers to treat seizures, as outlined by a physician, and
requires that school nurses arrange for the training of such volunteers. The
bill also protects district nurses, school personnel, and volunteers from
liability for such treatment.
“This
bill addresses a critical gap in emergency care management for students with
epilepsy and related seizure disorders”, says Holly Ferrin, executive director
of the Epilepsy Association of Utah. “Additionally, this bill empowers and
supports school personnel in rendering potentially life-saving assistance. The
EAU is thankful for the gracious work Representative Sagers is putting forth,
and we fully support HB424."
HB424 is listed on the agenda for Health and Human
Services Committee today at 4:10pm.
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ABOUT THE EPILEPSY ASSOCIATION OF UTAH
Founded in 1973, the Epilepsy Association
of Utah is a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for
all individuals living with epilepsy and seizure disorders. One in 26 people
will develop epilepsy at some time in their lives, leading to over 100,000
people with epilepsy in Utah alone. Epilepsy is the fourth most common
neurological disorder in the US, after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer’s
disease. The Epilepsy Association of Utah offers a public education program,
statewide support groups, personal and professional advocacy, college
scholarships, medical and transportation assistance programs, educational
conferences, summer camp and more.
ABOUT HOPE 4 CHILDREN WITH EPILEPSY
We are parents of children with severe forms
of epilepsy. The seizures take a toll on our children’s overall health, ability
to function, and quality of life, leaving them with increased risk for sudden
death. We desperately need new
treatment options. We lobby to make high-CBD/low-THC cannabis extract available
in Utah, and across the United States, to those who suffer with intractable
epilepsy. The extract is not smoked and does not cause a “high”, but it can
save the lives of children.
Press Contact: Candi Huff, Epilepsy Association of Utah
Phone: 801-557-0326
Press
Contact: Jennifer Hardy-May, Hope 4
Children With Epilepsy
Phone: 801-400-0046
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