US House Members Call for Epinephrine Auto-Injectors to be Mandated on All Flights

Advocacy at all levels of government is essential in creating a society that is safe for all who are managing allergies. And because people with allergies fly long distances in air planes, it is essential that they be stocked with epinephrine and staffed with people who know how to use it. There are many who advocate for policies that support allergy safety on airlines. Many thanks to Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) and David Valadao (R-CA) for taking a leadership role in requiring the stocking epi-auto-injectors on all flights.

Read the details of their progress and encourage them to continue the push. The allergy community will be watching.

US House Members Call for Epinephrine Auto-Injectors to be Mandated on All Flights

By Dave Bloom
June 22, 2023

Epinephrine is the only drug that can halt and reverse the progression of anaphylaxis, a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction to a food, drug, insect venom, or environmental substance, provided it is administered in a timely fashion. While epinephrine is normally carried in emergency medical kits aboard commercial flights, it is often in vial form that requires a trained medical professional to administer the drug via syringe.

That poses two problems. First, there is no guarantee a trained medical professional will be aboard any given flight, and finding that person, drawing the correct dose of the drug and administering it takes precious time during an anaphylactic emergency.

In April of this year, Dr. Lindsey Ulin, a resident physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, was flying from Phoenix to Austin when she realized she was starting to feel the telltale signs of an anaphylactic reaction for the first time. Luckily, another doctor was on the flight and was able to administer epinephrine in time.

Someone in Our Class has Food Allergies

Toni Taylor
June 14, 2023

Congratulations to all those in New York State and the national allergy community who advocated on behalf of Teacher Epinephrine Information bill S209A. After 13 years it finally passed both chambers and is on the way to the Governor for signature. As Governor Hochul considers signing this important piece of legislation into law, ideally in time to be implemented when school starts in September, we have a book recommendation that perfectly illustrates the need. Check out the book recommendation for the Governor as she considers signing the bill.On May 2nd, we hosted the annual gathering of advocates for Food Allergy Awareness Day NY 2023 in Albany. After a few years of Zoom advocacy, this was the first time since the pandemic our event was held in person at the state capitol in Albany. With many new legislators to share our concerns with, I think being together face to face made for a much more personal and positive experience.

Food Allergy Awareness Day NY '23 Report

Advocates gathered in Albany for Food Allergy Awareness Day NY 2023, marking the first in-person event since the pandemic. They shared concerns with legislators, emphasizing face-to-face interactions. Progress was made on teacher training and public access to epinephrine proposals. Urgent need for anaphylaxis emergency training in schools was highlighted.

Food Allergy Awareness Day NY '23 Report

By Jon Terry
May 18^th, 2023

Greetings. I sincerely hope everyone has had a pleasant Memorial Day holiday weekend.

On May 2nd, we hosted the annual gathering of advocates for Food Allergy Awareness Day NY 2023 in Albany. After a few years of Zoom advocacy, this was the first time since the pandemic our event was held in person at the state capitol in Albany. With many new legislators to share our concerns with, I think being together face to face made for a much more personal and positive experience.

It was a very crowded and bustling day at the Legislative Office Building, with many people waiting in line to visit the capitol. Since the NYS budget wasn't finalized, almost every lawmaker was spending all their time inside the house chamber. Meetings with lawmakers were strictly on a catch-as-catch-can basis. The most important part of Food Allergy Awareness Day isn't how long each meeting is but how many meetings you can deliver your message in person.

Suggestion for FASTER Act Implementation Concerns

While we are very happy the FASTER Act passed, implementation by food manufacturers continue to put food allergic consumers at risk. To that end, Dave Bloom of SnackSafely suggests aligning implementation requirements with developing research about the number and type of food allergens.

Suggestion for FASTER Act Implementation Concerns. FDA Issues New Draft Guidance Regarding Allergen Labeling and Cross-Contact

By Dave Bloom
2023/05/17

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new draft guidance to FDA staff yesterday regarding allergen labeling and cross-contact. Spoiler Alert: the draft does nothing to help the food allergy community.

Instead, Sec. 555.250 Major Food Allergen Labeling and Cross-contact Draft Compliance Policy Guide guidance simply reiterates regulations established under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2014 (FALCPA), the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA), and the FASTER Act of 2021 that took effect in January making sesame the ninth top allergen.

Why I Believe Advocacy Is a Journey, Not a Destination!

Co-founder of the Allergy Advocacy Association, Toni Taylor and I are working to create a clearinghouse for allergy and anaphylaxis information by using a program of awareness, alertness and action. We have made progress at the local, state and national level, yet ignorance and apathy remain a threat to individuals and families with life-threatening allergies. We must honor what we have accomplished and keep moving forward to raise awareness of dangerous anaphylactic reactions.

Why I Believe Advocacy Is a Journey, Not a Destination!

By Jon Terry
April 15^th, 2023

Greetings. I sincerely hope you are enjoying the spring season.

"Are we there yet?" I often think about my life in terms of "arriving," especially "on time" and at "the right location." By setting a "destination" for myself sometimes I can get my personal journey started and work steadily towards finishing what I have to do to get there. Sometimes. However, I often find myself growing tired of the road I've taken, that my journey is taking too long and I need to stop. I don't turn around and return to my starting point. I simply want to get off this road, onto another one and start a new "journey!"

US House Members Call for Epinephrine Auto-Injectors to be Mandated on All Flights