Westchester Board of Legislators passes law to equip county police officers with EpiPens for allergy emergencies
On Monday night, the Board of Legislators voted to pass the Giovanni Cipriano Act, a new law requiring the county’s Commissioner of Public Safety to take steps to equip all eligible county police officers with epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens), which can stop severe allergic reactions.
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A new act just passed in Westchester could be a lifesaver.
County officers will be required to carry EpiPens.
"I've actually had many anaphylactic reactions," says Chappaqua resident Jared Saiontz.
Jared Saiontz is 17 years old. He was born with 26 anaphylactic food allergies.
He carries his EpiPen at all times.
"My last one was during freshman year at school," says Saiontz. "Thankfully, that day, the first responder at school, the police, were able to help me administer the EpiPen.”
It’s why he brought that to the attention of the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
On Monday night, the Board of Legislators voted to pass the Giovanni Cipriano Act, a new law requiring the county’s Commissioner of Public Safety to take steps to equip all eligible county police officers with epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens), which can stop severe allergic reactions.
It’s made possible by “Gio’s Law," which authorizes counties to pass this legislation.
This makes Westchester the second county in the state to pass this.
"This will prevent a tragedy," says Jared's mother Stacey Saiontz.
Now, the County Public Safety Department will create a plan for implementation, including training. The plan will be back in front of the board within nine months.
A spokesperson for the Board of Legislators says the first year is estimated to cost $62,000 and $32,000 in the years after.
For both Jared and his mom, this new law could make a difference.
"Being able now to have first responders come and have an EpiPen on them and be able to save someone's life is just so meaningful," says Jared Saiontz.
"I can't be with him, 24/7, especially now that he's 17 and is out and about and so it gives me such comfort," says Saiontz.
