Morrison leads measure to prepare schools for serious allergic reactions

SPRINGFIELD – To help protect the lives of young children with food allergies, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) championed a measure in the Senate that would create an anaphylactic policy for schools and day cares.

“Children spend most of their day at school, and both they and their parents deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing that schools are well-equipped to assist when a student is having an allergic reaction,” Morrison said. “Creating a plan and training more employees on what to do if a student is having a reaction will save lives.” 

The measure would require an anaphylactic policy for daycares and schools to be created and include training course requirements, food allergy-specific guidelines, a communication plan, and exposure to allergen reduction strategies. It would be based on guidance and recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and would be shared with parents upon enrollment.

Additionally, under the measure, each daycare should have at least one staff member present at all times who has taken a training course in recognizing anaphylaxis.

“All children should be able to enjoy the same simple joys of school, safe in the knowledge that we’re ready to protect them in an emergency – and that starts with the help of the school community,” Morrison said.

Morrison has continuously been an advocate for helping children with allergies. In 2019, Morrison passed legislation to require insurers to cover medically necessary epinephrine injectors for minors. She is currently working to take that law one step further by removing the age limitation.

House Bill 102 has passed both chambers.

Morrison: People with gluten sensitivity should feel protected when visiting a pharmacy

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure people with gluten intolerances aren’t unknowingly consuming gluten in the medications they take, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) sponsored a measure to require oral drugs to carry proper warning labels.

“Restaurants and grocery stores have increased their gluten-free offerings and have become far better equipped to properly label and handle items for people with dietary restrictions,” Morrison said. “People with Celiac and other gluten intolerances should feel just as protected when visiting a pharmacy.”

Under the legislation passed Thursday, any prescription or over-the-counter drug that contains gluten but is not labeled as such would be considered misbranded. Because most medications do not contain gluten, consumers are often under the assumption none do unless otherwise specified. Therefore, if a drug does contain gluten and is not accurately labeled, a person with Celiac or other gluten intolerances could take it and be surprised with harmful health issues.

Celiac disease affects nearly three million American who must follow a fully gluten-free diet. Many more struggle with gluten sensitivity.

“The measure will make it easier and safer for people with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity to make informed purchases of necessary medications,” Morrison said. “We expect the food we purchase to be properly labeled, so why shouldn’t we expect the same from the medications we take?”

House Bill 279 has now passed both chambers.

Senator Morrison: Anti-Semitism has no place in our community

SPRINGFIELD – As physical attacks against Jewish individuals and communities increase, and anti-Semitic rhetoric around the globe and in Illinois becomes more wide-spread, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement:

“I am extremely troubled by recent events in which the basic right of freedom of religion has been challenged. Anti- Semitic attacks – or acts of discrimination of any kind – have no place in our state or country. All people deserve to freely express their thoughts and practice their religious beliefs without fear of violence or discrimination.

“We need to strive for open dialogue and mutual understanding with all the citizens of our communities. We should all be advocates for peacebuilding and conflict resolution.”  

 

Morrison: DCFS failed to respect LGBTQ children’s special needs

SPRINGFIELD – Findings from a report requested by State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) shows LGBTQ youth in care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are not being properly identified, placed, tracked or counted. It also found DCFS did not provide training to its contracted service providers, who become responsible for these youth.

Today, Morrison is calling on the department to adhere to its own policies immediately.

“LGBTQ youth in care are disproportionately likely to become homeless and deal with mental health struggles, yet the very agency that is supposed to protect them is doing them great disservice,” Morrison said. “DCFS fell short. It is not adhering to its own policies put in place to respect LGBTQ children’s identities and the care they need.”

The auditor general investigated how many LGBTQ children were under the care of DCFS and the number of providers deemed “clinically appropriate” for the kids. However, the audit found the agency "does not collect sufficient information regarding whether those in care are LGBTQ."

“We must ensure all children are placed in understanding environments that accept them and supports their authentic selves,” Morrison said.