Breaking News: Missouri Governor Signs Law Requiring Seizure Training for All School Personnel
Missouri Governor Parson signed Will’s Law on July 1, 2022, which will help improve the care of students living epilepsy and seizure disorders in Missouri. With 1 in 26 people developing epilepsy and 1 in 10 having a seizure during their lifetime, odds are there are multiple students at every school who are affected by epilepsy. For students living with epilepsy, it is important that schools are well-equipped with the tools necessary to provide a safe and enriching environment. The legislation makes certain that school personnel, including nurses, teachers, and volunteers, are not only prepared but can recognize and respond appropriately and efficiently to the student experiencing a seizure.
Will’s Law requires individualized health care plans to be developed by school nurses in public schools and charter schools. Such plans shall be developed in consultation with a student's parent or guardian and appropriate medical professionals that address procedural guidelines and specific directions for particular emergency situations relating to the student's epilepsy or seizure disorder. Plans are to be updated at the beginning of each school year and as necessary. Notice must be given to any school employee that may interact with the student, including symptoms of the epilepsy or seizure disorder and any medical and treatment issues that may affect the educational process.
In addition, Will’s Law requires all school employees to be trained every two years in the care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
“The Epilepsy Foundation is incredibly excited that this bill has become law,” said Laura Roeseler, executive director, Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas. “There are many obstacles and challenges that come with epilepsy, so it is important to bring awareness to the entire education community so that students living with epilepsy or a seizure disorder can feel safe in school, reach their full academic potential, and build meaningful friendships without fear of being stigmatized."
Will’s Law was sponsored by Missouri State Senator Doug Beck (D-Affton). “This law could save a kid’s life,” he said. “Not every seizure looks the same. Making sure that the school nurse and other school staff members know and understand a student’s specific condition can make a big difference in how they respond.”
The Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas offers free trainings that provide the information, strategies, and resources school personnel need to better manage a student with seizures by supporting positive treatment outcomes, maximizing educational and developmental opportunities, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
Our training is vital in keeping students with epilepsy safe! Please click here to make a gift to EFMK today to help us provide this important programming to schools in our community. We appreciate your support for our young epilepsy warriors!
Seizure Education and First Aid Training Programs in Schools
Kids with epilepsy deserve a safe and supportive school environment, so we’re gearing up to provide seizure education and first aid training to school personnel for the upcoming school year. We need your help to make it happen! By making a gift to EFMK here, you can support our young epilepsy warriors like Cameron (pictured below, left). Here is Cameron's story:
"Diagnosed with epilepsy as a baby, Cameron has endured much over his 18 years--different seizure medications, multiple EEGs, three surgeries, vagus nerve stimulation therapy, a Ketogenic diet, and a medically induced coma.Today, Cameron is a thriving teenager.
'EFMK was instrumental during Cameron's high school years by attending individualized education program (IEP) meetings and educating school staff,' says his mom, Becky.
In addition, EFMK lobbied the Missouri legislature to allow people like Cameron to carry their emergency medications on a public school bus. Before this, Cameron couldn't go on school field trips with his classmates.
'Never in my life have I met someone as brave and courageous as Cameron,' says his older brother, Christopher. 'He doesn't let his epilepsy define him as a person.'"
Our free training is vital in keeping Cameron and other students with epilepsy safe and supported at school! This important programming will provide the information, strategies, and resources school personnel need to better manage a student with seizures by supporting positive treatment outcomes, maximizing educational and developmental opportunities, and ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Help us keep our students safe with a gift to EFMK here or by clicking the "Donate Now" button at the bottom of the page. We appreciate your support for our young epilepsy warriors!
Seizure Education and First Aid Training Programs in Community Settings
In addition to training school personnel, the Epilepsy Foundation of Missouri and Kansas provides both in-person and virtual epilepsy training on seizure recognition and seizure first aid for different audiences throughout our community, including:
- Students (grades 3 through 12)
- Physicians, nurses, and community healthcare advocates
- Assisted living staff
- Day care staff
- Law enforcement personnel
- First responders
- Community agencies
- Area employers
- Individuals, family members, and friends
Individuals who complete this training will:
- Be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of epilepsy
- Be able to identify different types of seizures
- Recognize when a seizure is a medical emergency
- Know appropriate first aid for seizures
- Be able to share accurate information about epilepsy with others
If you’re interested in scheduling a training, contact us at epilepsy@efmk.org and we would be happy to set something up!
