NE Valley Times

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (May 17, 2024) – Cherokee Elementary School had the privilege of hosting Governor Katie Hobbs last week for a significant event during National Nurses Week and, fittingly, on School Nurse Appreciation Day. Amidst Cherokee third grade students, Governor Hobbs signed House Bill 2174 into law, a piece of legislation championed by Cherokee school nurse Will Graham.

House Bill 2174 was proposed by Arizona House Representatives Beverly Pingerelli (R-Peoria) and Matt Gress (R-Phoenix). The bill addresses the urgent need to better equip schools and teachers to support students with diabetes. With over half a million Arizonans diagnosed with diabetes and recent studies predicting an increase in children diagnosed with the condition, it is crucial that our schools are prepared to keep these students healthy and safe.

At the May 8 event, Governor Hobbs underscored the importance of the legislation. "This bill will allow schools to request a standing order to stock one or more doses of glucagon for emergency administration by school nurse or other personnel, rather than waiting for a first responder. Nurses will be able to take action immediately, potentially saving lives," she stated.

Graham, who played a pivotal role in pushing the bill forward, shared his insights into its significance. "Before this bill, if parents did not supply a school with their own glucagon, our only option was to call 911 and stand idly by while we waited for the fire department to respond," he said. "This period of waiting could prove to cause permanent disability or even death. With this bill, we ensure that all students are safe in school, including those with diabetes."

Governor Hobbs expressed her gratitude towards the bill’s sponsors for their commitment to student safety. She also thanked Nurse Graham for his dedication and activism as well as Julie Hoffman, Advocacy Chair of the Arizona chapter of the American Diabetes Association, for their collaboration that helped make the new law a reality.

The signing of House Bill 2174 highlights the collaborative efforts between government officials, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations to prioritize student safety and well-being in Arizona schools. For more information about Cherokee Elementary School and its initiatives, visit their website.