Tester, Baucus back bipartisan bill to increase life-saving treatment for students

Senators’ measure will also train school personnel to treat allergic reactions

(U.S. SENATE) – Senators Jon Tester and Max Baucus are making sure more Montana students can access life-saving treatment for allergic reactions.

Tester and Baucus are sponsoring a bipartisan bill that encourages public elementary, middle and high schools to maintain a supply of epinephrine injectors. Epinephrine – a common treatment for severe allergic reactions, including shock – is in low supply in many rural school districts.

The Senators’ bill also encourages school faculty to be trained on how to administer an epinephrine injector. A recent study found that one in 13 children nationwide suffers from food allergies.

“Too many folks in rural America – including our kids and grandkids – must travel long distances to get to the nearest hospital,” said Tester, a former elementary school teacher. “That means we often have to bring medical care to them. This bill will allow teachers to provide care to students on the spot, saving time and saving young lives.”

“There’s nothing more important than protecting our kids,” Baucus said. “In rural schools where the nearest hospital is miles away, arming teachers with the right tools and training saves lives.”

The Senators’ measure, which encourages schools to store epinephrine by giving priority in receiving medical grants to states that participate, is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

Tester and Baucus’ bipartisan School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act by les_braswell5524