[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Date]

[Congressperson's Name]
[Congressperson's Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Dear [Congressperson's Name],

I am writing to urge your support for legislation that mandates the availability of epinephrine auto-injectors on all commercial airplanes. While some progress has been made on this issue, such as the Airline Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (H.R. 3381), additional action is needed to modernize Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) requirements to protect all passengers.

Currently, FAA regulations only provide that airlines carry epinephrine in vials and syringes, primarily intended for use in cardiac emergencies. This standard is outdated and inadequate for managing anaphylaxis, as administering epinephrine from vials requires medical training and may cause dangerous delays. Stocking only vials without auto-injectors could have deadly consequences in the event of a severe allergic reaction onboard.

Travelers from underserved, minority, or economically disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted by barriers to healthcare, including the high cost of epinephrine auto-injectors. Many individuals from these communities are unable access this life-saving medication, putting them at greater risk when traveling.

Additionally, undiagnosed food allergies may present themselves for the first time while on a flight, where access to immediate medical care is not possible.  This affects all individuals regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

Air travel can create a higher-risk situation for those suffering from food allergies as food allergens are likely to be encountered, and allergic reactions can happen without warning. Ensuring that airplanes stock epinephrine auto-injectors not only protects all passengers but also helps address the long-standing disparities in access to care. Equitable access to emergency treatment on airplanes is necessary and important to your constituents.

By mandating that epinephrine auto-injectors be part of the emergency medical supplies on airplanes, we can ensure that all passengers, regardless of background or financial situation, have access to the treatment they need.

I urge you to advocate for updated FAA standards that require the inclusion of epinephrine auto-injectors on all commercial flights. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]