Fond Du Lac Times

Congressman Glenn Grothman and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell have reintroduced Dillon’s Law, a bipartisan initiative aimed at expanding access to epinephrine for emergency use in schools. The legislation seeks to empower trained individuals, beyond just school employees, to administer this life-saving medication during critical situations.

The law is named after Dillon Mueller from Mishicot, Wisconsin, who died in 2014 following an anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting when epinephrine was not readily available. Several states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Indiana have already enacted similar laws with bipartisan support.

“We’re working to prevent more heartbreaking tragedies like Dillon’s,” said Congressman Grothman. “No parent should ever have to experience the pain of losing a child simply because lifesaving medication wasn’t available in time.”

Congresswoman Dingell echoed these sentiments: “Deaths like Dillon’s are heartbreaking and preventable, and we should empower good Samaritans to save lives.”

Dr. James Tracy of the ACAAI emphasized the importance of immediate access to epinephrine during anaphylaxis emergencies. Kenneth Mendez from AAFA highlighted that quick administration can prevent death from such reactions.

Lynda Mitchell from Allergy & Asthma Network stated that the law empowers citizens in communities where medical help may not be immediately available. Sung Poblete of FARE praised the legislation as a cost-effective way to prevent future tragedies.

Valerie Fuller from AANP expressed gratitude for the leadership shown by Grothman and other members supporting this bill.

Anaphylaxis causes up to 1,000 deaths annually in the U.S., highlighting the need for expanded access to treatment options like those proposed in Dillon’s Law. This legislation builds on existing frameworks by prioritizing federal funding for states adopting these measures and providing liability protections for responders acting in good faith.

Dillon’s Law has received endorsements from several health organizations including ACAAI, FARE, AAFA, AANP, and Allergy & Asthma Network.