The State of Iowa has presented schools an optional policy regarding stock epinephrine auto-injectors, or Epi-Pens, and Highland has chosen to move forward with it. Epi-Pens are used when a person is going into anaphylactic shock due to an allergic reaction, usually related to food consumption. According to Business Manager Sue Rich, at their monthly school board meeting they approved the policy, and will have a stock of Epi-Pens in the near future.

The policy allows schools to get a prescription for the Epi-Pens from a doctor, though they are not for the use of students with known food allergies who likely have their own supply. Rich said they will be used primarily for students who discover a new food allergy while at school, or for emergency use in situations such as bee stings. Before the policy can take effect, Rich said they must obtain the prescription, train staff in using them, and acquire the Epi-Pens. The school’s nurse Shawn Loy has been in contact with a national program that will supply them at no cost, and is hopeful they will arrive in the coming weeks.