Allergy Awareness & Elijah’s Law

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You are on this page: Allergy Awareness & Elijah’s Law

In 2019, New York State adopted new legislation called “Elijah’s Law”. The law is named after 3-year-old Elijah Silvera from New York City who was given a grilled cheese sandwich while at day care despite having a known severe dairy allergy. After Elijah went into anaphylaxis, his family was not told what he had eaten and 911 was not called. Elijah died in November 2017. Implementation of Elijah’s Law requires changes to your child care program, valuable, potentially life-saving changes, that are intended to prevent further tragedy.

As a child care professional, you play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of the children in your program. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 13 children is impacted by allergies. Allergies have the potential to create a life-threatening situation. Anaphylaxis must be treated right away. By gaining knowledge about allergies, prevention of anaphylaxis, and what action is to be taken during a medical emergency, child care providers can save lives.

Child Care Provider Testimonials
August 10, 2022 - Dear Provider Letter
October 13, 2021 Dear Provider Letter
August 19, 2021 Dear Provider Letter
March 15, 2021 Dear Provider Letter
Policy

Anaphylaxis Policy for Child Day Care Programs:

Forms

OCFS-LDSS-7006 - Individual Health Care Plan for a Child with Special Health Care Needs

OCFS-6029 - Individual Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan

Training

If you have any additional questions about Elijah’s Law, please email: ocfs.sm.ElijahsLaw@ocfs.ny.gov.