Halpin Recognized for Law Providing Lifesaving Medication to Diabetic Students

EAST MOLINE, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, received an award from the board of the East Moline School District 37 for his work passing a law, which allows critical diabetes medication to be administered in schools.

“As a parent, I’m very aware of how important it is that we do everything we can to keep our kids healthy,” Halpin said. “When Jennifer Jacobs had to risk serious legal consequences to save the life of one of her students last spring, it became clear that Illinois’ policies had failed our kids’ needs. My law will ensure that school nurses throughout our communities won’t have to take the kind of risks Jennifer did just to keep kids safe. I’m grateful to the East Moline School District’s recognition.”

The law is a response to the actions of an East Moline school nurse, Jennifer Jacobs, who aided a 7th grader in distress by administering a critical blood-sugar drug, glucagon, which had been designated for another student.

East Moline School District 37’s school board is recognizing Halpin or his backing of House Bill 822, which provides that schools may maintain a supply of glucagon: medication to rapidly raise a patient’s blood-sugar levels. Glucagon can be lifesaving for diabetics, who may face serious health risks due to extremely low blood sugar. The bill received bipartisan support and is now law.