Big news, Disney fans! Mylan Inc. has partnered with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in a strategic alliance agreement to enhance access to EpiPen (epinephrine) and EpiPen Jr. (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors. Why is this such great news? Well, it means more safety, and more reassurance those at risk of anaphylaxis are safe.
As parents of a child with life-threatening allergies, we always - always - pack our epinephrine auto-injectors, but this extra layer of insurance is amazing. Not to mention that allergic reactions can happen at any time and be life-threatening even to those who have no prior history of reactions. So, much like defibrillators in public spaces, epinephrine auto-injectors "just in case" supplies can and do save lives.
From the press release (bold mine):
"PITTSBURGH, Nov. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq: MYL) today announced it has signed a multi-year strategic alliance agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to help increase awareness of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening (severe) allergic reaction. The agreement includes updated maps in Disney's domestic theme parks and on its cruise ships as well as updated signage in the parks that highlight locations with EpiPen® (epinephrine) and EpiPen Jr® (epinephrine) Auto-Injectors. Over time, the companies also will introduce a variety of educational resources designed to increase awareness of and preparedness for severe allergic reactions.
EpiPen® locations will roll out at Disney parks and on cruise ships beginning in late 2014. In addition to emergency medical services (EMS), nurses trained to administer EpiPen Auto-Injectors are available during First Aid station operating hours to assist guests experiencing a severe allergic reaction. To help guests identify EpiPen locations, Disney's guide maps will now include an EpiPen Auto-Injector symbol and new signage at First Aid stations.
"Mylan's mission is to provide the world's 7 billion people access to high quality medicine and set new standards in health care. In support of this mission, we are committed to enhancing access to EpiPen Auto-Injectors and to increasing awareness of anaphylaxis. Like life, severe allergic reactions are unpredictable, so people need to be prepared," said Mylan CEO Heather Bresch. "We are very proud to be working with Disney, which already has a strong reputation for meeting the needs of people managing severe allergies, and believe we can further raise awareness of anaphylaxis through this collaboration and our joint commitment to education."
Anaphylaxis is unpredictable, and can progress quickly and without warning. Clinical guidelines state that epinephrine is the first-line treatment when anaphylaxis occurs, making access critical. For those with a known risk, it is important to be prepared with an anaphylaxis action plan that includes 1) avoiding known allergens, 2) recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, 3) having immediate access to two epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPen Auto-Injector, and 4) seeking immediate emergency medical care should anaphylaxis occur.
"For our guests who live with severe allergies every day, identifying EpiPen locations is an additional tool they'll have for their anaphylaxis management plan," said Dr. Pamela Hymel, chief medical officer for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "This new strategic alliance will help raise awareness of EpiPenlocations so that our Guests with severe allergies may have the best possible experience at our parks and on our cruise ships."
Families managing known severe allergies are encouraged to follow their individual anaphylaxis action plans and carry their epinephrine auto-injectors with them at all times."
I already absolutely adore Disney because of their commitment to keeping those with food allergies safe. It was at Walt Disney World that my son (then just months old) ate his first cookie and had his first taste of ice cream. He was allergic to dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, peanuts, fishes, and more, but Disney made magic happen for him. I will never forget the look on his face when he bit into a safe chocolate chip cookie for the first time. Honestly, it makes me tear up to this day.
We are heading on a Disney cruise this winter, and I have to admit that I was feeling very apprehensive. Despite knowing they can handle food preparation, traveling with an allergic person is always terrifying, so this news adds just gives me a little boost of confidence that everything's going to be alright.
Image Source: Flickr
Deadly allergic reactions can happen at any time, to absolutely anyone. Read more here. Find out why traveling with a food allergic kid (or anyone!) is so stressful.
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