Parents can rest easy since President Obama signed the Epinephrine Act into legislation

Posted By: | Published On: | Food Allergies
Parents can rest easy since President Obama signed the Epinephrine Act into legislation

A new act, called the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act, was signed into legislation last month in an effort to provide grants to schools that are providing on-hand stock and training for the use of Epi Pens, also known as an epinephrine delivery device. They are lifesaving medications used to treat patients who have allergic reactions during school hours. Anaphylactic episodes can occur and require immediate attention.

This act gives incentives to states that adopt laws that allows schools to stock epinephrine delivery devices with auto-injectors while making them eligible for federal asthma education grants. Several states have laws in favor of stocking Epi Pens, but this legislation makes it more widely acceptable in all states. Parents who are worried about their children with allergies can now rest easier knowing many schools in the Buaffalo Grove, Crystal Lake and Elgin area will have a stock of epinephrine delivery devices available to staff to treat their children in the event of an emergency.

It is believed that 25% of Americans suffer from allergies, some of these can be life threatening reactions to food, bee stings and other allergens. This law can help save lives by having emergency treatment readily available. It can allow teachers and staff to provide the care necessary for children in a situation where time is of the essence. Patients should have an epinephrine device available in all locations, and having an extra school one for additional treatment can only be beneficial.

The team at Advanced Allergy and Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois in Elgin reach out to schools to help them acquire epinephrine devices and can provide patients of all ages with the care and experience they need to learn more about their allergies. Our team, which includes Dr. Askenazi and the staff, can help individuals learn more about the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act and explain how it directly affects them or their children in the event of an emergency. Our practice is here to assist in providing the proper diagnostics and testing necessary to determine the allergies or medical conditions affecting an individual and working with patients in developing the best treatment plan appropriate for their needs.

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Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.


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