Advocacy introduces EpiPens to school

Sixth-grader continues to bring allergen awareness to district

Aiden Nainiger didn’t set out to make a change.

It just happened out of necessity.

The 12-year-old sixthgrader at Madison Middle School, allergic to peanuts, knew that schools, and other places such as restaurants can be dangerous grounds when it comes to anaphylaxis.

That didn’t sit well with him or his family, so they took it upon themselves to conduct some research.

“My mom told me that most unknown food allergies happen at lunch and at recess,” Aiden said. “I figured we should get EpiPens around those areas for those kids with unknown allergies, just in case, and even for kids that do have allergies. She found a specific website — EpiPens4Schools. com — that helps to get the instruments in the school. All we had to do then was get approval.”

Though Aiden has been carrying his own multiple sets of epinephrine devices since first grade, a school will only receive epinephrine injectors like EpiPens, and AUVI-Qs, in accordance with all applicable laws.

“Schools must submit a valid prescription,” said Aiden’s mother, Katie. “The process for the program is easy to do — there are just a few steps schools have to take. Most schools are very willing to allow this to happen. And more and more schools are taking part. Twenty-five percent of all allergic reactions reported at schools happen with children with no previously known allergies.”

The Nainigers then began their mission to equip South Elementary School and Madison Middle School with supplies of the devices, with Aiden broaching the subject with his respective teachers and principals.

After taking all the proper channels, beginning with a discussion with the district’s superintendent, Aiden and his family received word that EpiPens were soon to be a reality at South.

“Both my principals were very on board with it,” Aiden said. “After the companies ship them, they also send a box to hang on the wall. At the elementary school, the kits are stationed where we go to recess, and in the general area of the lunch room.

“Then we started to think about getting one at the middle school. The nice thing was they had one, but it fizzled out. So we reintroduced it. That kit is now located by the lunch room.”

The allergy emergency kits are designed to be protective so injectors can’t be regularly accessed. Katie said a replacement program allows reserves to be ordered.

To date, no devices have had to be used, she added.

“During use, a needle shoots out and epinephrine is injected into the thigh muscle,” Aiden said. “It activates your adrenaline and for 15 minutes it allows you to breathe regularly again, about that duration depending on the reaction, until paramedics arrive.”

“Aiden was also a wonderful ambassador for Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 13-19) here, said South Elementary Principal Shannon Kriegmont. He advocated for safety and educated both his peers and the staff about the issue. I am thankful for the Nainiger family helping me institute safe practices as I began my administrative career.

“As an added bonus, both Aiden and Katie are interesting, personable individuals who were involved in many areas of the elementary school experience.”

Though he’s moved on from elementary school, Aiden keeps busy in a myriad of other activities, including drum lessons, participation in Arthur Holden Leadership Institute, chess and math clubs, and spending time as a junior assistant swimming instructor.

He’s also signed up with Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Connection Team, based in West Chester Township, Ohio, to become student ambassador with the teen advisory council.

And Aiden’s not about to stop — he’s already got plans to get EpiPens into Madison High School.

“To say I was impressed with Aiden when he approached me with his idea would be an understatement,” said Madison Middle School Principal Tom Brady.

“He had all the information and presented it to me very well. He came to me with the plan and how to get the materials needed and I followed his directives. It took some time for the outside parties to process the applications and the paperwork, but it went very smooth. It is very exciting to see a young man empowered with knowledge, confidence and a detailed plan. He’s truly wonderful.”

CHAD FELTON — THE NEWS-HERALD Sixth-grader and allergy awareness advocate Aiden Nainiger not only worked to get EpiPens introduced to Madison Middle School, but also to his previous school, South Elementary.