On July 22, Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI-6) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6) reintroduced Dillon’s Law, a bipartisan bill that incentivizes states to allow any trained individual (not just trained school employees) to administer epinephrine in schools during emergencies.
The College endorsed this legislation, as it would help students who are experiencing anaphylactic reactions.
“Practicing allergists see firsthand how rapidly anaphylaxis can become life-threatening without immediate access to epinephrine,” said ACAAI President Dr. James Tracy. “Dillon’s Law is a critical step forward in empowering trained individuals on school grounds to act swiftly and save lives. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) strongly supports this bipartisan effort to expand epinephrine access and Good Samaritan protections. This will help ensure no student or staff member loses their life because lifesaving treatment wasn’t readily available.”
Recently, ACAAI’s Director of Advocacy Dr. Allen Meadows interviewed Congressman Grothman about this legislation and his broader interest in helping patients with allergies. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Dr. Meadows: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us for this interview. Before we talk about the policy, let’s discuss its namesake. Tell us about Dillon and why you are honoring his life with this legislation?
Rep. Grothman: This issue was first brought to my attention by Dillon’s mother. Dillon Mueller, who lived in my district, tragically lost his life from a bee sting. He was otherwise healthy and active in many athletics. It was a horrible shock when he died at only 18 years old.
Dr. Meadows: We all believe that even one death is too many. As allergists, we know more than anyone how important it is to administer epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction. Tell us about Dillon’s Law and why this change is necessary.
Rep. Grothman: I introduced this legislation with Rep. Debbie Dingell, who is the lead Democrat for this bill. [Rep. Dingell is co-chair of the Congressional Allergy and Asthma Caucus.] This legislation opens up current funds for state grants to train more people to use epinephrine. It will also help protect Good Samaritans from fear of lawsuits if they have to administer epinephrine. The bill also highlights the broader issue of allergies and epinephrine access.
Dr. Meadows: Where can people learn more about Dillon’s Law and about Dillon himself? And how can organizations such as the College and individuals who are reading this interview help support this important legislation?
Rep. Grothman: To learn more about Dillon, people can visit the website that his family established in his memory. It includes a memorial fund which will help improve allergy awareness and epinephrine training. Dillon’s mother is an incredible resource. She is doing so much to educate people about these issues.
We are trying to get the bill introduced in the Senate. We hope to have a Senate sponsor by the end of August.
People can support the bill and Dillon’s memory by donating to the memorial fund and by contacting your representatives to encourage them to cosponsor Dillon’s Law. Anything we can do to spread awareness about this bill and help get more people trained to administer epinephrine will also be impactful.
The Advocacy Council – ADVOCATING FOR ALLERGISTS AND THEIR PATIENTS.
