American Diabetes Association Applauds the Passage of Ohio House Bill 264

The American Diabetes Association (Association) is pleased to announced the passage of Ohio House Bill 264, a key piece of legislation in the fight to keep children with diabetes medically safe at school. This bill, which was signed in to law by Governor John Kasich, allows school staff to volunteer to be trained to assist children with diabetes with insulin administration and, in an emergency situation, to administer glucagon. In addition, the bill allows children, if they are capable to do so, to self-manage their diabetes while at school.

The bill was sponsored by Ohio State Representatives Lynn Wachtmann (R-District 81) and John Barnes (D-District 12). Both sponsors are members of the Health and Aging Committee and together, championed this legislation to keep children with diabetes safe at school in Ohio. In addition to support from within the state house, for two years, volunteer diabetes advocates from the American Diabetes Association have helped to raise awareness and build critical support to ensure the successful passage of the bill.

“The American Diabetes Association appreciates the support of House Bill 264’s sponsors, Representative Lynn Wachtmann and Representative John Barnes,” said Gina Gavlak, RN, BSN, Chair, National Advocacy Committee, American Diabetes Association. “With Governor John Kasich’s signature, this vital legislation provides students living with diabetes across Ohio access to the support and care they need to manage their diabetes and stay medically safe at school.”

An estimated 208,000 children are living with diabetes in the United States. These children have a disease that must be managed 24/7, including the many hours spent at school. Every day, children with diabetes are put at serious risk if no one, including a school nurse, is present at school to help with daily and emergency diabetes care. House Bill 264 will remove that risk by allowing school staff to volunteer to be trained in school throughout Ohio to provide the diabetes care these children need and deserve to learn and be healthy.

To address barriers to diabetes care at school, the Association created its Safe at School campaign. Through this campaign, the Association is dedicated to making sure that all children with diabetes are medically safe at school and have the same educational opportunity as their peers.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.