California Advocates Help Pass Lifesaving Legislation
May 24, 2011
On Thursday, June 2, 2011, Senate Bill 161 (Senator Huff) passed on the Senate floor. The bill has been up against strong opposition, but the efforts of advocates making phone calls, sending letters and testifying in Sacramento made the difference in ensuring the bipartisan vote (32-4).
Senate Bill 161 authorizes volunteer, trained, non-medical personnel in schools to administer emergency medication to students with epilepsy suffering from prolonged seizures who require access to a life-saving emergency medication such as Diastat. Appropriate emergency intervention is extremely time sensitive as these prolonged seizures (cluster seizures or status epilepticus) can have devastating consequences for children, including brain injury and death.
The challenge is not over as the bill will now make its way to the Assembly, so advocates need remain engaged and continue to make their voices heard.
