Guidelines for managing life-threatening food allergies in Massachusetts schools.
During the past decade, prevalence of food allergies among children increased. Caring for children with life-threatening food allergies has become a major challenge for school personnel. Prior to 2002, Massachusetts did not provide clear guidelines to assist schools in providing a safe environment for these children and preparing for an emergency response to unintended allergic reactions. In 2001, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America/New England Chapter, Massachusetts Department of Education, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Massachusetts School Nurse Organization, parents, and other professional organizations forged a successful collaboration to develop guidelines for managing life- threatening food allergies in schools. The guidelines assist schools by providing information on food allergies and anaphylaxis, emphasizing the need for team planning and development of an individualized health care plan, giving guidance on strategies to prevent accidental exposure to specific allergens in school settings, and offering information on emergency responses should unintended exposures occur. The collaborative process for developing the guidelines, which continued during the distribution and implementation phases, set a tone for successful multidisciplinary teamwork in local schools.
School Health Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington St., Boston, MA 02108, USA.
Anne H
AH
Sheetz
Patricia G
PG
Goldman
Kathleen
K
Millett
Jane C
JC
Franks
C Lynne
CL
McIntyre
Constance R
CR
Carroll
Diane
D
Gorak
Christanne Smith
CS
Harrison
Michele Abu
MA
Carrick
D000293:Adolescent; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D005512:Food Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006266:Health Education / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008404:Massachusetts / Q000453:epidemiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000592:standards; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*