In a critical step toward saving lives, and just in time for the holiday season, NYS Senator Dean Murray (R,C - 3rd District), has announced that New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has signed his legislation, amending “Gio’s Law” to clarify that all counties in New York, outside of New York City, can enact legislation to allow law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel to carry and administer EPIPENs for use during emergencies.
Senator Murray said, “As we prepare to enter into the holiday season, part of our traditions include feasting with family and friends… but doing so can also increase the chances of food allergy interactions, which can have tragic results.” Murray added, "That is why I am so happy to announce that the legislation that I co-sponsored with my colleague from across the aisle, Senator Julia Salazar (D, WF – 18th District), amending “Gio’s Law”, has been signed into law by the Governor.”
"Allergic reactions can be extremely dangerous, and seconds count to ensure treatment is administered in time to save a life," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "With the placement of epi-pens in every Suffolk and Nassau County police car, we ensure first responders have the tools and training they need to respond rapidly in an emergency. Thank you to my partners in the Legislature for their advocacy and assistance seeing this through."
“Making our communities safer must begin with prioritizing the wellness of our constituents impacted by severe health conditions. New Yorkers residing in Westchester and on Long Island can now rest assured that first responders will be equipped with the means to administer epinephrine at the site of a health emergency,” stated Senator Julia Salazar. “I extend my gratitude to our Senate co-sponsors, especially Senator Murray for expanding the law to include his constituents, and to the Cipriano family, whose loss of their beloved Gio inspired this law.”
Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction, claims 500-1,000 lives annually in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children have at least one allergy, and 6% of U.S. adults and children are affected by food allergies. The ability for first responders to administer EPIPENs can be the difference between life and death. In New York alone, more than 218,000 students live with life threatening food allergies according to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). This underscores the critical importance of this amendment.
This bipartisan amendment (S.7617 / A.7961), led by Senator Dean Murray and Senator Julia Salazar, ensures no county outside of NYC is excluded from taking this vital step, addressing an oversight in the original law that restricted counties with populations of more than one million residents from implementing such programs.
With the Governor’s signature, the amendment to Gio’s Law takes effect immediately, allowing programs like the EPIPEN initiative here in Suffolk County, championed by Suffolk Legislator Dominick Thorne, to finally move forward without further delay. This change also paves the way for counties across New York State to implement this life-saving measure. This initiative will ensure that first responders will have the resources they need to act swiftly in emergency situations, when every second counts.