FARE Calls for Unassigned Epinephrine to Be Carried by First Responders and Available at Public Venues, Citing Survey Showing Only Half of Food Allergy Patients Have Epinephrine Prescriptions
FARE Launches New Public Service Announcement Highlighting Epinephrine’s Power to Save Lives As Part of Its Ready to Act Campaign
McLEAN, Va.—June 12, 2025—FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) today called for unassigned epinephrine to be included in first responder medical kits and made available at public venues. The announcement follows an analysis of 2022-published survey data showing that only half of food allergy respondents with a history of a serious reaction have an epinephrine prescription.
This finding underscores a widespread issue—that many of the more than 33 million people in the U.S. with food allergy who should carry epinephrine are without the only medication capable of reversing anaphylaxis, leaving them vulnerable in the event of a severe reaction.
A food allergy reaction can happen anytime, anywhere. In the U.S., someone is sent to the emergency room every 10 seconds due to a food allergy reaction. Ensuring that unassigned, or stock, epinephrine is available with first responders and at public venues would allow for immediate, life-saving treatment when and where it’s needed.
The call is part of its larger public service campaign, Ready to Act, which includes a new public service announcement (PSA) of the same name launching June 12. The PSA features award-winning actress Angela Bassett, who plays a first responder on the hit network television show 9-1-1, making her an ideal spokesperson for the campaign.
“While sometimes art imitates life, in this case, art will save lives,” said Sung Poblete, PhD, RN, CEO of FARE. “The Ready to Act campaign highlights the importance of having epinephrine readily available. We are calling for stock epinephrine to be available in public spaces and for first responders to carry it with them. This will help make certain it’s always possible to administer ‘Epi first, Epi fast’ in the case of a serious food allergy reaction.”
This is the second PSA in the Ready to Act campaign, following the release of The Kitchen, a Super Bowl-timed spot featuring former NFL player and FARE Innovation Ambassador Jason McCourty and his daughter, Kai. The Kitchen has reached millions through donated media placements.
To learn more about the campaign and FARE’s efforts to expand the availability of unassigned epinephrine, please visit www.foodallergy.org/ReadytoAct.
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About FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)
FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) is the leading nonprofit organization that empowers the food allergy patient across their journey of managing the disease. FARE delivers innovation by focusing on three strategic pillars—advocacy, research, and education. FARE’s initiatives accelerate the future of food allergy through effective policies and legislation, novel strategies toward prevention, diagnosis, treatment and a cure, while building awareness and community. To learn more, visit FoodAllergy.org.