RESOLUTION NO. 230327
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Sponsor: Councilmember Andrea Bough
RESOLUTION - Honoring the life of Elijah Silvera and celebrating the impact of Elijah’s Law.
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WHEREAS, in November of 2017, 3-year-old Elijah Silvera died after having a severe allergic reaction at his preschool facility. Though the preschool had documentation of Elijah’s life-threatening milk allergy, asthma, and other allergies, he was fed a grilled cheese sandwich and the facility did not follow emergency protocols to treat his anaphylaxis; and
WHEREAS, Elijah’s Law is a bill that ensures childcare facilities take steps to manage food allergies for the children in their care that was passed in the state of New York and Illinois and has been introduced in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and California, where it is going through each states’ legislative processes; and
WHEREAS, the outcome of the law is to improve communication and collaboration with families, parents, providers, medical professionals, child care/daycare centers, and schools as well as ensure childcare facilities have epinephrine auto-injectors on site and available in case of emergency. Staff training and certification ensure that childcare providers receive proper training and certification in food allergy management, including awareness of the signs and symptoms of a child's allergic reaction; and
WHEREAS, inspired by the law, the Elijah's Echo Ambassadors was created, an allergy awareness for Families and Youth program for children/youth in daycares and centers through 8th grade.; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
That the Mayor and Council hereby honor the tireless efforts of the Hawhorne family and food allergy advocates to build awareness of this crucial issue; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Council in testimony thereof and that a copy hereof be presented to Dina Hawthorne and family in memory of Elijah, mourning his loss and celebrating the strides made by Elijah’s family and supporters for the children, youth, and families facing life-threatening allergies.
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