New laws expand access to epinephrine auto-injectors in NYS
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Governor Hochul recently signed legislation to make EpiPens more accessible.
An Epinephrine auto-injector, or an EpiPen, can help save the life of someone who has an anaphylactic allergy .
"It takes only 15 minutes to die from an allergic reaction," explained Devin August Sailer, an advocate for epinephrine legislation.
Devin August Sailer, an 11th grader from Oneonta, has 31 allergies. He’s been advocating for the state to pass legislation to make auto-injectors more accessible. One of the bills Governor Hochul signed deals with large gathering places.
"Any place of public assembly that has over 1,000 people must have one member of staff who is willing to and able administer epinephrine and have epinephrine in a public space that is readily accessible, similar to if you were to have a defibrillator," explained Sailer.
The second piece of legislation would amend a law that requires first responders to carry epinephrine with them.
"Some years ago, I did a bill called Gio’s Law, to authorize police officers and firefighters outside of New York City to carry and administer EpiPens," explained Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal. "At the time, different counties were not authorized in the same way. So, we wanted to ensure that police and firefighters in Nassau and Suffolk Counties also were authorized to carry and use EpiPens, so that’s what this addendum to Gio's Law did."
https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/A7961
Sailer shared how he feels knowing the legislation he helped advocate for, has been signed into law.
"It’s a surreal experience to know that you personally have had an impact on a state of what, 17 million people?"