Protecting Kids Citywide: NYC Passes Bill to Ensure Epinephrine in Every School and Daycare
- Sam Santos
- 7 minutes ago
- 3 min read
New York, N.Y. — The Elijah-Alavi Foundation on Wednesday thanked lawmakers, advocates, and national allergy organizations following the New York City Council’s unanimous passage of legislation requiring all schools, childcare programs, and early education facilities to maintain epinephrine delivery devices on site. The measure significantly strengthens emergency safeguards for children at risk of severe allergic reactions.
The bill, sponsored by Councilwoman Julie Menin with support from Council Member Kristy Marmorato mandates that schools and childcare providers carry epinephrine and ensure that trained personnel are available to administer it during an anaphylactic emergency. Advocates say the legislation closes critical gaps in allergy preparedness and aims to prevent delays in lifesaving treatment.
“Today is a major step toward protecting children where emergencies are most likely to occur,” said Thomas Silvera, co-founder of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation. “We are grateful to every person and organization that helped make this possible.”
Silvera and co-founder Dina Hawthorne credited a coalition of advocates and experts for advancing the bill, including testimony from Jenna Riemenschneider of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Chris Martinez of the Foundation AAIR, and Renia Butler, @blackallergymama. Kaleo and other supporters provided additional resources and advocacy throughout the process.
Anaphylaxis can occur without warning and requires prompt treatment with epinephrine to prevent severe complications. Advocates say having epinephrine on site, paired with trained staff, is a critical safeguard in schools and childcare environments where food exposure is common and emergency services may not arrive immediately. The legislation aims to remove barriers to treatment, reduce response times, and ensure that children receive care the moment symptoms appear.
The Elijah-Alavi Foundation noted that this measure is part of a broader legislative effort. To date, the organization has helped advance a total of eight pieces of legislation (Elijah's Law) focused on strengthening anaphylaxis preparedness and child safety nationwide in chidlcare centers. Included in those eight are two city ordinances, one in Kansas City and now one in New York City. Silvera said the growing policy framework reflects increasing recognition among lawmakers that immediate access to epinephrine and proper training are essential components of public safety in educational and childcare settings.
Silvera said the legislation honors the legacy of his son, Elijah-Alavi, who died from an allergic reaction in 2017. The tragedy led to a broader movement for improved training, awareness, and emergency readiness in childcare environments nationwide.
“No parent should ever experience what our family went through,” Silvera said. “This ordinance is not just policy. It is a tangible safeguard that will save lives and help ensure children receive immediate treatment when seconds matter.”
The Foundation offered special thanks to Stacey Saiontz for facilitating connections that helped move the legislation forward.
“New York City is demonstrating what effective child safety policy looks like,” Silvera said. “This is how communities create change together. And we are committed to continuing this work in cities and states across the country.”
The Elijah-Alavi Foundation provides training, advocacy, and educational programs to improve emergency preparedness in childcare, school, and community settings. The organization supports legislation, professional development, and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing preventable allergic reactions and improving outcomes for children and families.
Media Contact:
Thomas Silvera
Vice President
Elijah-Alavi Foundation
Cell:718-314-5720
