SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 74

(By Senators Stollings, Foster, Jenkins, Tucker, Laird, Miller Prezioso)

[Originating in the Committee on Health and Human Resources]

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the need to improve the awareness and public availability of and access to epinephrine auto injectors to better protect and prevent against the threat of death resulting from anaphylaxis emergencies.

    Whereas, Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction, a medical emergency that is rapid in onset and may cause death; and

    Whereas, Statistics suggest that up to 43 million Americans suffer from allergies that could put them at risk of anaphylaxis; and

Whereas, A history of anaphylaxis is usually a predictor of future reactions, studies indicate that at least 25% of adult patients who present with anaphylaxis have no prior history. More importantly, up to 65% of children with anaphylaxis have no history of prior allergies; and

Whereas, According to a 2006 presentation at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, more than one million emergency room visits each year – 2,700 each day – are allergy-related; and

Whereas, Food allergies affect approximately one in 25 school-aged children, an 18% increase from 1997 to 2007; and

Whereas, Anaphylaxis can cause death in a matter of minutes, rendering immediate access to and use of epinephrine critical to survival; and

Whereas, At least 12 states and the District of Columbia have enacted laws that enhance public access to epinephrine auto-injectors and this life-saving treatment; therefore be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to study the need to improve the awareness and public availability of and access to epinephrine auto injectors to better protect and prevent against the threat of death resulting from anaphylaxis emergencies; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2012, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.