It is safe to say that I enjoyed one of the best food allergy advocates moments last week. As I mentioned earlier, I was invited by Nevada State Senator Debbie Smith to speak at the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) regarding “Protecting People with Life Threatening Allergies”. Last week I felt EXTREMELY PROUD of our food allergy (and other allergies) community. We truly work together and rally when it comes to improving public policy. Therefore, BRAVO!! I spoke in our session about how our community does not sit back and wait for tragedy before we take action. Our advocates are educated and work towards educating other advocates for effective action. Senator Smith framed what we did in Nevada and why policy regarding anaphylaxis and protecting citizens is crucial. Dr. Allan Stillerman, explained anaphylaxis and the grave need for immediate access to epinephrine and why it is safe to use.
Dr. Allan Stillerman, Me and Senator Debbie Smith
Here’s the deal: law makers can’t make good policy unless educated advocates speak up and share vetted, factual information with state leaders. We use passion to tell our stories of the how and why we are effected by life threatening allergies and then we back up our needs by providing the facts. I explained the power of the modern day stay at home parent. Connie Green, co-founder of California Advocates for Food Allergies and I were talking early last week about a paradigm shift that has taken place. Stay at home food allergy parents are often professionals who have chosen to stay home full or part time to address their child’s health issues. Our Nevada Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Alliance (NFAAA) consisted of lawyers, doctors, retired military officers, teachers, graphic designers, journalists, project managers and the list goes on. I shared with policy makers how this group of talented individuals worked together to write blogs, send out newsletters, emails and to connect constituents using social media. The educated advocate is truly a powerful resource.
The Future. I shared that not everyone is between the ages of five and eighteen, attending public school, will possibly experience a life threatening allergic reaction during school hours. Adults are at risk for adult onset allergies (experiencing your first reaction after the age of 18) too. Since the NCSL Summit was held in Minnesota, I couldn’t help but bring up Minnesota Viking running back, Adrian Peterson and his story of almost dying from an allergic reaction only a mere two years ago. We are all at risk– there is no shield to protect any of us.
I am extremely grateful for Senator Smith for being a passionate supporter and requesting this panel at NCSL. Without good lawmakers like her and effective advocates like you, we would all be in a world of hurt.
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..