The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI) Promotes NEA HIN Publication, "The Food Allergy Book - What School Employees Need to Know"

BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI) is pleased to be promoting, The Food Allergy Book - What School Employees Need to Know, a publication of the NEA Health Information Network (NEA HIN). The booklet was funded in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and provides information on what to do when a student is having a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction, and explains how school staff can help prevent reactions in their school.

HFI will support the outreach by publishing excerpts of the book on its website and generating and disseminating collaborative press releases with NEA HIN.

"We are enthused about this publication of the NEA HIN, and are pleased to join them in raising awareness of food allergy in schools," said Allen Rathey, president and founder of The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI). "This easy-to-read guide lays out a plan and examples for all to follow, and concisely addresses an under-publicized area of concern for facility professionals and others."

"Because food allergies pose serious threats to student health, NEA HIN worked with experts to produce the Food Allergy Book, and we appreciate HFI's dedication to publicize it.  The information can assist educators in helping to prevent food allergy reactions at schools. We also should strengthen state and local policy to raise awareness and protect student health," said Jerald Newberry, Executive Director of the NEA Health Information Network.

According to the booklet: "Approximately six million children in the U.S. have one or more food allergies, and among children with food allergies, 16-18% have experienced a reaction at school. At any time, school staff may need to respond to a food allergy emergency—whether in the classroom or cafeteria, or on the playground, athletic field, or school bus. That's why it's important to know about food allergies and understand everyone's role in helping to prevent and respond to allergic reactions in schools."

The Food Allergy Book explains what school employees need to know about food allergies and allergic reactions at school. For example:

• What are the most common foods that might trigger an allergic reaction?
• What are the signs and symptoms of a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction?
• What is anaphylaxis?
• What is the school employee's role in helping to manage food allergies in schools?

The booklet also encourages development of school allergy management plans based on school district policy and implemented by a food allergy management team and others.

The booklet is available in both English and Spanish and can be downloaded online or ordered as hard copy. To download or learn how to order copies, go to neahin.org/educator-resources/foodallergybook.html.

About HFI

The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI) strives to provide authoritative information for creating and maintaining clean, healthy indoor environments.

About NEA Health Information Network (NEA HIN)

NEA HIN is the non-profit health and safety arm of the National Education Association (NEA). The NEA is the nation's largest independent membership and labor association, representing more than three million education employees. Since 1987, NEA HIN has provided information, programs, and services to NEA members throughout the U.S. and on military bases across Europe and Asia. The mission of NEA HIN is to improve the health and safety of the school community by developing and disseminating information and programs that educate and empower school professionals and positively impact the lives of students.

Contact:
Allen P. Rathey, President
The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI)
Voice (208) 938-3137
[email protected]

This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com. 

SOURCE Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI)