*This blog is part two of a series from Dr. Markman on the topic of advocacy, access to epinephrine, and the fight to see Dillon’s Law passed nationally in 2025. If you are passionate on this issue, have questions, or would like to get involved, please reach out to Dr. Markman directly at lenmarkman@gmail.com.
My recent experience at the amazing OMED ’24 in San Antonio created more momentum behind the fight to pass Dillon’s Law nationwide and provide widespread access to and training in administering life-saving epinephrine. The keynote speaker, Montel Williams, received a standing ovation. I have never heard anyone speak so passionately and positively about the osteopathic profession! He also personally knows and has seen how important it is to have epinephrine readily available. He had a family member almost die from a shrimp allergy.
100-plus Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) members attended our “DO it for Dillon” anaphylaxis training program. These students also know how important epinephrine availability is. So, where’s the epi?
It is time to make osteopathic medical campuses anaphylaxis-prepared and set an example for others to follow. Epinephrine needs to be stored with every AED and defibrillator. There should be training courses for every student. Training courses for the public should be widely available. State and federal legislation such as Wisconsin’s Dillon’s Law must be created. This legislation will allow Americans who are trained to carry this life-saving medication. Training in epinephrine delivery need not be intimidating. Epinephrine can be “just a nose spray”! In October, Neffy brand epinephrine nasal spray will begin to be available for use on patients over sixty-six pounds. A twin-pack will cost about twenty-five dollars with commercial insurance.
Students at our SOMA session got hands-on training with all five epinephrine delivery systems. I was told that this was the first time all five were ever taught! Now, these SOMA members are ready to train classmates and the public, beginning their careers with a foundation of epinephrine knowledge.
These osteopathic medical students are now taking their anaphylaxis training back to their schools. Our Wisconsin osteopathic anaphylaxis training program could not “officially” certify them on Texas ground. There is a very good online, free, nationally recognized anaphylaxis training program from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE). Simply google “FARE Save a Life Training Program.” Once you complete this course, you can print your certificate!
Working with their state osteopathic societies, I am sure students will help create epinephrine legislation. Osteopathic physicians have developed the template by creating legislation in Wisconsin, Indiana, and Minnesota. Our senators and representatives are willing to help if there are concerns. Senator Braun from Indiana was so impressed with what osteopathic physicians have done that he authored Dillon’s Law in the US Senate. Senator Peters from Michigan cosponsored, as has Senator Smith from Minnesota, and Senator Baldwin from Wisconsin.
There is no opposition to our bipartisan Dillon’s Law. Passing it will just take persistence. Students at our osteopathic colleges are an important and powerful voice that every wise politician will listen to. With SOMA working with ACOFP, AOA, and other specialty organizations, change will occur! Strong voices and courageous support from people with a national platform like Montel Williams will speed things along. We need everyone’s voice to win this fight.
