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Health & Fitness

CT made the Honor for Asthma and Allergy Policies for Schools

In my research for resources for families living with food allergies, I learned that while  New York State did not make the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America's honor roll for 2013, both CT & NJ did.
There are several categories in which each state is judged. They are policies on Awareness, Medication and Treatment, and the School Environment.  Overall, New York met thirteen of eighteen core policy standards and eight of fifteen extra credit indicators.  Both Connecticut and New Jersey met seventeen of eighteen core policy standards. CT also went the distance with meeting  ten of fifteen extra credit indicators  while NJ met twelve of fifteen.

Noteworthy is that New Jersey and Conneticut have been selected for the State Honor Roll since 2008.  Additionally, the CT State Department of Education requires schools, before end after-school and school readiness programs to maintain an individual medication administration record for students who receive medications during school or program hours.

New York made a noteworthy difference due to the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act of 2007 which requires New York’s Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to develop policy guidelines for schools to prevent anaphylaxis and deal with medical emergencies resulting from it.  Food service personnel are required to have training in serving students with special dietary needs, which includes serving special meals to students with food allergies provided a written statement from their physician is given. Also noteable is the New York State staff development requirements  which include continuing education training or funding for school nurses in administration of medications; case management for students with chronic health conditions; identification and tracking of students with chronic health conditions; and teaching self-management to students with chronic health conditions.   (Source http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?ID=5&sub=105&cont=783)

Based on my family's experiences in New Rochelle, there has been significant progress and support for those with tree nut & peanut allergies, yet there is definitely room for improvement and further awareness.

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