New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing, heralded the signing of two pieces of legislation to expand access to epinephrine auto-injectors across New York State into law. Epinephrine is a lifesaving medication used to treat allergic reactions, quickly working to relax the muscles in a person’s airways, reduce facial swelling, stabilize blood pressure and more.

The first of the two bills signed into law (A.2885) will require public venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or more, such as ballparks, concert halls, theaters, auditoriums, and stadiums, to keep epinephrine auto-injectors on site and to make at least one person trained to administer the medication available. The idea for the measure came from a Brooklyn high school student, Lucia Zaremba, whose brother John suffers from serious food allergies. The legislation was sponsored in the state Senate by Andrew Gounardes.

The second bill (A.7961) amends Gio’s Law, a law Assemblymember Rosenthal passed in 2019, to allow certain police officers and firefighters to carry and administer epinephrine. The law was named in memory of Giovanni Cipriano, a 14-year-old boy who passed away after experiencing an anaphylactic attack. It ensured that these first responders, who may be on the scene before emergency medical service workers arrive, are able to quickly intervene in cases involving anaphylaxis. However, clarification was needed to ensure police and firefighters working in Nassau and Suffolk Counties were permitted to carry these devices. This law was sponsored in the state Senate by Julia Salazar.

“Having a food allergy should not be a death sentence,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “However, New Yorkers suffering from allergies know that every single second, whether they’re enjoying the ninth inning of a baseball game, the final act of a ballet or walking down the street, counts when they are experiencing an allergic reaction. Epinephrine is a lifesaving tool, but only when it is readily available.”

It is estimated that over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies, with 40% of those including food allergies. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food allergies are responsible for roughly 30,000 emergency room visits and 150-250 deaths each year.

"No one with allergies should have to be afraid of attending a baseball game or a night out at a restaurant because of a potential episode of anaphylaxis,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “These laws are a monumental step toward creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all New Yorkers while preventing unnecessary tragedy."

In previous sessions, Assemblymember Rosenthal has sponsored laws to require the posting of allergen warnings on restaurant menus, require school teachers to be provided with informational materials on the use of epinephrine auto-injectors and require restaurants to post allergy awareness information in staff areas.

“On behalf of New York’s nearly two-million food allergy families, FARE, the nation’s largest food allergy patient advocacy organization, applauds Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and her talented staff, for making our community safer through the signing into law of two food allergy bills by Governor Hochul. These new laws provide greater access to the only life-saving medicine that our community relies on – epinephrine – by ensuring that it is available to first responders on Long Island or for a family attending a football game at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. Food allergy families are grateful that our champion – Assemblymember Rosenthal – has come through once again for us,” said Jason Linde, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE).

"We commend and thank Governor Kathy Hochul for signing A7961 into law, reaffirming New York’s leadership in food allergy and emergency safety. By clarifying Gio’s Law to include high-density counties, this legislation ensures timely access to life-saving interventions for individuals at greater risk in overwhelmed urban areas. This law is not just a policy, it is a promise that no individual will face life-threatening delays in their moment of need. We extend our deepest gratitude to Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal for her unwavering advocacy and commitment to seeing this vital legislation through. Her efforts continue to make New York a leader in protecting the lives of those with food allergies," said Thomas Silvera, VP/CEO of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation.

"Epinephrine can save lives- mine and the life of anyone experiencing anaphylaxis, but only if the epinephrine is immediately accessible. Thank you Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Gounardes for working hard to pass this life-saving legislation that requires epinephrine at large public venues in New York State. This law will help prevent tragedies and provide protection to the more than 2 million New Yorkers living with food allergies every time they visit large public venues in New York," said Jared Saiontz, a child living with 14 life-threatening food allergies.

"Epinephrine is the antidote to anaphylaxis. If accessible and administered immediately, it saves lives. That’s why it makes sense to require large public venues in NY to stock epinephrine, just as they already stock AEDs, to provide life-saving protection to the more than 2 million New Yorkers living with food allergies who visit these venues. Thank you Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Gounardes for your leadership on this life-saving legislation," said Stacey Saiontz, mother of Jared Saiontz.

“As Gio’s Mother, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the leadership in amending Gio’s Law, written in honor of my son, Giovanni Cipriano, who tragically passed away due to anaphylaxis.Signing this amendment and the stock epinephrine legislation for public entities is a monumental step in preventing unnecessary loss of life. These measures ensure that no other family must endure the pain we’ve experienced, and they honor Gio’s legacy in the most meaningful way possible,” said Georgina Cornago.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for signing A2885 into law, a monumental step forward in protecting lives. With epinephrine now mandated in public assembly venues, New York is setting a powerful precedent for allergy safety nationwide. Seconds matter in anaphylactic emergencies, and this law ensures that no life is lost due to a lack of access to life-saving medication. This legislation reflects the unwavering commitment to the health and safety of all New Yorkers. We are especially grateful to Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal for her steadfast leadership and dedication in championing this critical legislation. Together, we are driving meaningful change for the health and safety of all," said Thomas Silvera, VP/CEO of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation.