Epilepsy Heroes Day and other Seizure Safe Legislation in Virginia
destigmatizes epilepsy & creates awareness and safety
Epilepsy Heroes Day
About
In Virginia, Epilepsy Heroes are recognized as those living with the condition, as well as those who foster a safer and more inclusive experience. This includes caregivers, medical professionals, legislators, businesses, academic institutions, and other organizations, school personnel, coworkers, families, friends and anyone willing to learn more about the condition and how to assist in the event of a seizure.
Through action together on Epilepsy Heroes Day, and all year long, the Commonwealth of Virginia continues to increase public knowledge about epilepsy and seizures.
Seizure Safe Legislation in Virginia
Seizure Safe Businesses
Epilepsy Heroes Day Resolution
Seizure Safe Businesses
VA HB1178 (2022), introduced by Del. G. John Avoli, and championed by Yorktown teen Jamie Van Cleave, requires that seizure first aid posters are distributed by Department of Labor and Industry, and visible to all employees in any VA business with 25 or more employees.
Commonly referred to as
"Seizure Aware Workplaces,"
the law references resources available from Epilepsy Foundation of America and coordination through Virginia's Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI).
Effective July 1, 2022
Seizure Safe Schools
Epilepsy Heroes Day Resolution
Seizure Safe Businesses
Virginia was the 6th state to pass Seizure Safe Schools legislation (SB1322 2021), co-championed in 2020 (then SB420) and 2021 by two teens, Jamie and Brie, with Senator Bill DeSteph, Chief Patron of the bill. It is affectionately referred to as the
"Jamie and Brie Strong Act."
Virginia biennially trains school personnel on seizure detection and first aid response, allows Seizure Action Plans for every student diagnosed with epilepsy or a seizure disorder, and requires those plans be available to all personnel responsible for the student; ensures the administration of medications approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (includes Good Samaritan clause).
The law references resources available from Epilepsy Foundation of America.
Effective July 1, 2022.
Epilepsy Heroes Day Resolution
Epilepsy Heroes Day Resolution
Epilepsy Heroes Day Resolution
Sen. J.D. "Danny" Diggs, Chief Patron, (SJ27), worked with the family of Jamie Van Cleave to establish a permanent recognition day on the Virginia calendar,
"Epilepsy Heroes Day"
through a VA Senate Joint Resolution.
This action replaced the need for the annual requests (2020-2024) for Epilepsy Heroes Day Proclamations.
Effective March 26, 2024
SUDEP Awareness Day Resolution
Epilepsy Heroes Day Gubernatorial Proclamations
Epilepsy Heroes Day Resolution
In 2014, a House Joint Resolution designated July 12, in 2014 and in each succeeding year, as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Awareness Day in Virginia.
Delegate Mark Keam sponsored HJR 98 in honor of Khristin Elizabeth Kyllo, a Vienna native, who died on January 13, 2011, at Princeton University from SUDEP.
"SUDEP Awareness Day"
underscores the importance of understanding the nature and causes of SUDEP, seeking to mitigate risk factors and preventing SUDEP, and increasing awareness of SUDEP in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States.
Effective July 12, 2014
Epilepsy Heroes Day Gubernatorial Proclamations
Epilepsy Heroes Day Gubernatorial Proclamations
Epilepsy Heroes Day Gubernatorial Proclamations
Governor G. Youngkin (2022, 2023, & 2024) and Governor R. Northam (2020, 2021) issued
"Epilepsy Heroes Day Proclamations"
from 2020 through 2024. In 2024, a Senate Joint Resolution was passed to make it a permanent day on the calendar.
Effective March 26, 2020