The Teal Schoolhouse is incredible! I am allergic to chicken, fish, turkey, sesame, all tree nuts, and cumin. Food allergy has deeply impacted my life, especially while navigating school settings. While I was an undergraduate student, I became involved with Code Ana and the Teal Schoolhouse in working with their school programs. They provide schools with a streamlined and multi-person protocol in preparing and responding to medical emergencies, like anaphylaxis. I wish that my schools had these programs in place while I was a younger student, and am so excited to see the work that they continue to do!
The Teal Schoolhouse and its flagship program, Code Ana, opened my eyes to the potential dangers of medical emergencies in schools. I did not realize how many children live with chronic diseases that can manifest acutely and dangerously while they are at school. It is imperative that schools be prepared to handle such emergencies, but sadly many schools are not as prepared as they could be. I am extremely proud of the work this organization has done in spreading awareness of the issue and actively helping schools improve their response protocols and providing education so that no child has to die of a medical emergency in school again.