Mason Supports Measure to Make Schools Safer for Students with Severe Allergies

GURNEE, Ill. – Young people with allergies would be better protected at schools and day care centers under legislation backed by state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee. Mason is sponsoring a measure that would require state agencies to create policies for schools and day care facilities that outline how to prevent severe allergic reactions from occurring and the correct way to care for a child experiencing anaphylaxis.

“As the mother of a child with a severe food allergy, I understand firsthand how important it is to make sure our schools are well-prepared to assist students with allergies,” Mason said. “Unfortunately, many schools and day care facilities don’t have up-to-date plans in place to ensure they’re adequately protecting children from dangerous allergens. This lack of preparation puts young people in unnecessary danger and should be addressed as soon as possible.”

Under House Bill 102, the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Department of Children and Family Services would be required to provide updated anaphylactic policies to schools and day care centers every three years. House Bill 102 also calls for schools and day care facilities to annually notify parents and guardians of allergy guidance contained in their anaphylactic policies. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy.

“It’s vital that staff at our schools and day care centers know how to appropriately protect and care for children with severe allergies, and legislation I’m backing would ensure that they have the information and training they need to be able to do that,” Mason said. “I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in helping pass this critical and potentially lifesaving legislation into law.”