Cherokee Elementary School was honored to host Governor Katie Hobbs last week for a momentous occasion during National Nurses Week and, even more appropriately, on School Nurse Appreciation Day.  Surrounded by Cherokee third grade students, Governor Hobbs signed into law House Bill 2174, legislation championed by Cherokee school nurse Will Graham.

Proposed by Arizona House Representatives Beverly Pingerelli (R-Peoria) and Matt Gress (R-Phoenix), House Bill 2174 addresses the critical need to equip schools and teachers to better support students with diabetes.  With well more than half a million Arizonans diagnosed with diabetes and recent studies predicting a surge in children diagnosed with the condition, it is essential that our schools are prepared to keep these students healthy and safe.

Speaking at the May 8 event, Governor Hobbs emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, "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."

Graham, who was a driving force behind the bill, shared insights into the significance of the legislation.  "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."

Gov. Hobbs extended her gratitude to the bill’s sponsors, acknowledging their commitment to student safety.  Cherokee lies within Rep. Gress’s district.  The governor 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 underscores the collaborative efforts between government officials, healthcare professionals, and advocacy organizations to prioritize student safety and well-being in Arizona schools.

Watch a video from the bill-signing ceremony event here and learn more about Cherokee Elementary School, located at 8801 N. 56^th St., Paradise Valley, and its initiatives here.