Whereas severe allergic reactions known as anaphylaxis are a significant public health concern, with more than 3 million Canadians, or just over 7% of the population, affected by food allergies; and
Whereas anaphylaxis can be triggered by factors common in municipal spaces beyond food, including environmental causes such as insect stings and bites and exercise-induced anaphylaxis; and
Whereas a survey by Food Allergy Canada indicates that while many Canadians report food allergies, not all individuals have consistent medical follow-up or carry their prescribed epinephrine auto-injectors at all times; and
Whereas up to 15% of anaphylaxis cases result in a biphasic response, where symptoms return after initially resolving, often requiring a second dose of epinephrine within 5 to 10 minutes meaning a single personal device carried by an individual may be insufficient to save their life; and
Whereas the tragic death of 14-year old Malakai Flores in British Columbia has highlighted the critical gap in public safety regarding allergy readiness and has led to his family advocating for “Malakai’s Bill” which requests municipalities and governments to treat epinephrine with the same accessibility standards as Narcan and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs); and
Whereas the City of Sault Ste. Marie is committed to the health and safety of all residents and visitors utilizing its public facilities;
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that City Council requests staff to prepare a report regarding the feasibility, cost, potential liability, and implementation plan for equipping all public City facilities with stock epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens).