September 17, 2014
Supporting Programs That Benefit Children and Families
Online Training Helps Schools Handle Severe Allergic Reactions
Schools and school communities in Newfoundland and Labrador now have access to a new online program, Anaphylaxis in Schools: What Educators Need to Know. The program is designed to provide information about the management of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction which is on the rise in communities across Canada.
“With an investment of $10,000, we are partnering with Anaphylaxis Canada to promote and utilize a series of guidelines to help school administrators, teachers, school staff, parents and the public learn more about how to protect young people at risk of suffering a major allergic reaction. It’s all about taking pro-active measures to ensure people are prepared to assist in the event of an emergency.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education
Anaphylaxis in Schools uses multimedia learning, incorporating graphics, audio narration, practice scenarios, and step-by-step visual guides to provide an engaging learning experience. Users can review material, complete a short quiz, and print a personalized certificate of completion. The program can be accessed at: www.allergyaware.ca 
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“We wanted to create a resource that was readily available, informative, and engaging through interactive learning. Thanks to the support of the Department of Education in Newfoundland and Labrador and other ministries of education, private donors, and our premier founding sponsor, TELUS, Anaphylaxis Canada is able to make this course available across the country.”
- Laurie Harada, Executive Director of Anaphylaxis Canada
Information provided by Anaphylaxis Canada indicates that while some people are allergic to stinging insects or medication, food allergy is the leading cause of potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions among children. As there is no way of predicting how severe an allergic reaction may be, and no known cure for food allergy, avoidance of allergens is the only means of staying safe. Ongoing anaphylaxis education can help improve the quality of life for at-risk children and their families, reduce the number of emergency department visits, and increase the number of Canadians who can help prevent and respond to emergency situations.
For more information on Anaphylaxis Canada’s programs and services, see www.anaphylaxis.ca/ .
QUICK FACTS
- Schools and school communities in Newfoundland and Labrador have access to a new online program, Anaphylaxis in Schools: What Educators Need to Know.
- The program is designed to provide information about the management of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction which is on the rise in communities across Canada.
- The Provincial Government has contributed $10,000 to partner with Anaphylaxis Canada to promote and use the program to help school administrators, teachers, school staff, parents and the public learn more about how to protect young people at risk of suffering a major allergic reaction.
- The program can be accessed at: www.allergyaware.ca
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Media contact:| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Christopher Holcroft Empower Consulting, for Anaphylaxis Canada 416-996-0767 Christopherholcroft@hotmail.ca |
2014 09 17 12:15 p.m.