32 million Americans have food allergies according to the Organization for Food Allergy Research & Education. It is estimated that five Americans die each day from anaphylaxis (from allergic reactions to medicines, food and/or insect stings). Tens of thousands of emergency room visits occur each year from anaphylaxis.
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More people need to know the effects of having allergies and how to protect those with allergies around them. We want to create a community that informs people about allergies and raises awareness and support.
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For people with life threatening allergies, epipens are the very first line of treatment, yet they are currently extremely expensive. In 2016, CBS News reports that the price of EpiPens has increased by more than 480 percent since 2009, two years after Mylan purchased the device from Merck. A two-pack used to cost pharmacies about $100. It’s now $600, and they have a stated expiration of one year. Many insurance plans don’t cover the cost of Epipens which puts many people with allergies in danger. Not to mention the extensive cost of hospital vistits in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
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