BERLIN, Md.- Gov. Martin O'Malley this week signed Senate Bill 621 into law, which requires Maryland schools to have on hand an emergency supply of "EpiPens" for students with allergies.
Lilliana Franklin of Berlin had an allergic reaction to peanut butter in school last year and she said the school nurse did not know how to administer the shot. Her mother, Marianne, said the law being passed will force staff members to be educated on how to use the pens.
"Now we're getting educated. Now all the staff, all the people who are with our child six hours a day will know how to keep her safe," she said.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation estimates 50 million Americans have allergies. Of that number, approximately 6 percent suffer from food allergies. The AAF said food allergies are more common in children.
SB 621 will go into effect on July 1.
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