Megan Brown, a Massachusetts woman, stood before state lawmakers on Wednesday, sharing her powerful story of loss and advocating for greater access to epinephrine, the medication that can counteract an allergic reaction.

• She is a mother of two young boys and has been a vocal advocate for increasing access to epinephrine since her husband’s death in 2021.
• Her husband, Michael, died after being stung by a wasp during a charity golf tournament, despite having no history of allergies.
• According to Brown, the lack of access to epinephrine at the scene contributed to his death.

Brown testified in front of the Joint Committee on Public Health, asking lawmakers to support H.2500, an act relative to increasing access to epinephrine. She emphasized the importance of swift action, stating that “seconds matter” when it comes to anaphylactic reactions.

“It’s unthinkable that in 2023 in Massachusetts that the only medication that can save somebody when they are experiencing anaphylaxis is not more widely accessible,” Brown said. “What can happen to my husband, can happen to anyone. When it strikes, seconds matter. Minutes matter.”

Brown has been working to get the bill passed since her husband’s death, and she has had some success in getting EpiPens into some police cruisers in the Vineyard.

Massachusetts is one of only a handful of states in the country that does not have entity laws that permit venues to stock epinephrine in case of an anaphylactic emergency.

1. Megan Brown’s husband, Michael, died after being stung by a wasp during a charity golf tournament.
2. The golf course did not have access to epinephrine, and Michael was surrounded by trained first responders, but no one could save him.
3. Brown’s testimony emphasized the need for swift action and the importance of having epinephrine readily available.

Brian Sullivan, who was with Brown on the day of her husband’s death, also provided emotional testimony, highlighting the need for greater access to epinephrine.

“We failed Mike that day,” Sullivan said. “Medication needs to be accessible at restaurants, golf courses, and ‘in every pocket, ideally.’

“Ultimately, this will save lives,” Sullivan said of the legislation. “We are all at risk until this is done.”

Committee members thanked Brown and Sullivan for their emotional testimony, acknowledging the importance of their stories and the need for greater access to epinephrine.

“Every second counts during an anaphylactic reaction,” said Representative Moakley.