Earlier this week, the New York City Council moved to ensure that every school and child-care program in the city maintains on-site life-saving epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens). Under legislation titled Intro 0895‑2024, all NYC public schools — including charter, nonpublic primary and secondary schools, and school-based child-care programs regulated by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) — would be required to stock epinephrine devices. New York City Council+2Intro NYC+2
The bill, introduced on May 16, 2024 and now advancing under committee review, aims to close critical gaps in emergency response for children suffering from severe allergic reactions. Proponents argue that having an EpiPen on-site can make the difference between life and death in an allergic emergency, particularly when a student does not carry their own device. Intro NYC+1
“This is common-sense legislation to ensure that no parent has to worry whether a life-saving dose of epinephrine will be available when it’s needed most,” stated one of the bill sponsors. Intro NYC+1
If enacted, the law could significantly improve safety standards across New York City’s educational and child-care institutions — making them better prepared for anaphylactic emergencies and giving families greater peace of mind. As school communities await its final passage, many allergy advocates and parents are calling the legislation a crucial step toward protecting children’s health.
