Gillen, Garbarino Introduce Bipartisan “Gio’s Law” to Honor Lynbrook Native Giovanni Cipriano; Equip Law Enforcement Officers with Lifesaving Epinephrine
LYNBROOK, NY – Today, Congresswoman Laura Gillen (D-NY-04) and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02) announced the introduction of H.R. 4019, known as “Gio’s Law”. This bipartisan legislation is being introduced in honor of Nassau County native Giovanni Cipriano, who passed away from a severe allergic reaction at age 14. Gio’s Law would establish a national Department of Justice (DOJ) grant program that provides access to and training on epinephrine products for law enforcement officers.
“I’m proud to introduce Gio’s Law, which establishes the first-ever federal grant program at the U.S. Department of Justice to equip law enforcement across our country with EpiPens and train officers on how to safely use them,” said Congresswoman Laura Gillen (NY-04). “I was deeply moved by Gio’s story and his mother Georgina’s tireless advocacy to prevent any other family from suffering an allergy-related tragedy. This bipartisan, commonsense legislation will honor Gio’s memory and gives our law enforcement officers the tools they need to save lives.”
“Gio’s Law is about making sure first responders have what they need to save a life. In an emergency, police officers are often on the scene before an ambulance,” said Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02). “This bill gives departments the resources to equip officers with epi-pens and provide the training they need to use them. I’m proud to co-lead this commonsense legislation to establish Gio’s Law nationwide and help prevent another tragedy like the one that took Gio’s life.”
Gillen developed the legislation in coordination with Giovanni’s mother Georgina Cornago, who runs the Love for Giovanni foundation. The legislation is additionally endorsed by the National Association of Police Organizations and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
“Gio’s Law is about saving lives — ensuring that first responders, who are often the first on the scene, have immediate access to life-saving epinephrine,” said Georgina Cornago, founder of the Love for Giovanni Foundation. “In cases of anaphylaxis, every second counts, and this law will help protect millions of Americans who live with severe allergies. No family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one simply because help wasn’t ready in time.”
“State and local law enforcement officers are our nation’s first responders, and they are often the first on the scene for calls for medical emergencies. It is vital that officers are given resources and training to ensure they can effectively respond to medical emergencies,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations. “Studies have shown a significant rise in anaphylaxis emergencies for various causes, including food, medications, and insect stings. Gio’s Law will assist law enforcement agencies purchase epinephrine auto-injectors and train their officers to recognize the symptoms of anaphylactic shock and administer epinephrine products, providing them with lifesaving tools. NAPO thanks Representatives Gillen and Garbarino for introducing this vital bill.”
“Improving access to epinephrine saves lives. We appreciate Rep. Gillen and Rep. Garbarino for sponsoring legislation that would help equip law enforcement officers with both access to epinephrine and the training needed to administer it in emergencies,” said Kenneth Mendez, President and CEO, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. “Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be triggered by exposure to allergens including food, insect stings, and medicines, can be life-threatening. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis and quick administration saves lives. By expanding access, awareness, and training, this bill will help ensure first responders are prepared to act quickly and effectively, making communities safer for everyone at risk of severe allergic reactions.”
H.R. 4019 would:
- Establish the first-ever Department of Justice (DOJ) nationwide federal grant program for establish a grant program for providing access to and training on the administration of epinephrine products for law enforcement officers.
The full text of H.R. 4019 is available here.