Schools need to be ready for food allergy reactions

It is reasonable to ensure that our schools are equipped and ready to handle undiagnosed food allergies. Certainly schools cannot be expected to handle every adverse health situation, but knowing that food allergies are prevalent and growing, and that treatment is available, it seems a logical step.

Indeed, our public spaces and buildings are ready with defibrillators and basic first aid equipment. Providing epinephrine treatments at our schools is rational, proactive and potentially life-saving.

The Ohio Association of School Nurses and other food allergy advocates and health professionals are asking state lawmakers to allow Ohio schools to have epinephrine available for anyone who needs it, not just for those who have already been diagnosed and prescribed epinephrine.