(MINEOLA, NY) December 19, 2024 – A life-saving proposal to equip all Nassau County police patrol vehicles with epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) has hit a roadblock as County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Republican majority in the Legislature refuse to move the bill forward. The legislation, introduced by Legislator Seth Koslow and co-sponsored by Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, would provide officers with the tools and training to address life-threatening allergic emergencies, but political obstructionism is keeping it from becoming law.
The bill, inspired by the tragic death of Giovanni "Gio" Cipriano in 2013 due to an allergic reaction, aims to ensure that first responders are equipped to act swiftly when seconds matter most. Recent actions by the state to close a legal loophole have cleared the way for counties like Nassau to empower first responders with this essential tool. Thanks to the state’s efforts to cap the cost of EpiPens at $100 each, the program is now both affordable and urgently needed.
“Equipping our police officers with EpiPens is not just common sense—it’s a moral imperative,” said Legislator Seth Koslow. “For just $100 per EpiPen—a cost that could be further reduced through bulk purchasing agreements—we could save lives across Nassau County. Blocking this legislation is fiscally shortsighted and morally indefensible.”
The legislation includes training for police officers, which takes only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and can be easily integrated into their existing schedules. Nassau County police officers already carry Narcan to respond to opioid overdoses, and adding EpiPens to their toolkit would be a logical and life-saving next step.
“We already trust our officers with life-saving responsibilities,” added Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton. “Training them to administer epinephrine during emergencies is a straightforward process. It’s a small investment of time and resources with enormous potential to save lives. Families in Nassau County deserve this peace of mind.”
Anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction, can cause death within minutes if not treated immediately. EpiPens deliver a life-saving dose of epinephrine to counteract these reactions, and police officers, who are often the first to arrive on the scene, are uniquely positioned to act when time is of the essence. Neighboring Suffolk County has already implemented similar measures, demonstrating the feasibility and necessity of the program.
The legislation also honors the advocacy of Gio Cipriano’s mother, Georgina Cornago, who has turned her personal tragedy into a mission to protect others from suffering the same loss. “Every second counts during an allergic emergency,” said Cornago. “Just as AED machines are now standard in public spaces, EpiPens should be readily available to first responders. This legislation ensures that help will be there when it’s needed most, and it gives families like mine peace of mind.”
Despite broad community support and the clear need for this initiative, the Republican majority in the Nassau County Legislature has failed to act.
“This is not about politics—it’s about saving lives,” said Koslow. “The state has made it possible for us to act, and other counties have already stepped up. Nassau County families shouldn’t have to wait any longer for common-sense solutions to prevent tragedies.”
DeRiggi-Whitton echoed his sentiment, emphasizing the urgency of moving forward. “We have the resources, the training, and the tools. What we need now is the political will from the County Executive and Republican leaders to do what’s right. Nassau County residents deserve better.”
The proposed legislation directs the Nassau County Police Department to equip all patrol vehicles with epinephrine auto-injectors within 120 days of passage.