Las Vegas, NV – Earlier this month, the vibrant city of Las Vegas played host to a pivotal gathering of healthcare professionals dedicated to student welfare, as the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) 2026 Conference convened at the iconic Caesars Palace. Among the key participants driving crucial conversations on student health and safety was Epilepsy Alliance America (EAA), an organization at the forefront of advocacy and support for individuals living with epilepsy. Their active involvement underscored a shared commitment to fostering safer, more inclusive educational environments for the estimated 470,000 children in the United States living with epilepsy.
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The NASN conference, a biennial event, serves as a vital platform for school nurses from across the nation to converge, exchange best practices, engage in professional development, and collectively strengthen the health and safety frameworks governing students nationwide. For Epilepsy Alliance America, this presented a unique opportunity to directly engage with the frontline caregivers who are often the first responders and primary advocates for students with chronic health conditions, particularly epilepsy.
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As a prominent exhibitor, Epilepsy Alliance America established a dedicated booth within the bustling conference exhibit hall. This interactive hub became a focal point for disseminating critical resources and up-to-date information on seizure recognition and response protocols, the development and implementation of comprehensive seizure action plans, and a suite of educational tools meticulously designed to empower and support students with epilepsy within the school setting. The organization’s presence was a clear testament to its mission of dispelling misconceptions about epilepsy and equipping school staff with the knowledge and confidence needed to manage seizures effectively.
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The conference agenda itself featured several sessions pertinent to epilepsy and seizure management, highlighting the growing recognition within the educational health sector of the need for specialized training. A notable presentation was led by Jason Raether, a dedicated school nurse and an impassioned epilepsy advocate, whose insights offered practical strategies and personal perspectives on supporting students with epilepsy. The direct interactions facilitated by the conference were a highlight for EAA representatives, allowing them to connect face-to-face with the school nurses who perform the vital daily work of ensuring the safety and academic success of students with epilepsy. Through these meaningful conversations, both at the exhibit booth and during various networking events, Epilepsy Alliance America was able to extensively share details about its comprehensive training programs, a wealth of educational resources, and its ongoing advocacy initiatives, all geared towards cultivating safer and more inclusive school environments for every student.
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Epilepsy Alliance America’s delegation was comprised of key leaders whose diverse expertise and unwavering dedication embody the organization’s collaborative spirit. Lisa Gallipoli, the Executive Director, represented the strategic vision of EAA. She was joined by Amanda Mitchell, a valued Board member of EAA and the Executive Director of Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana, a founding member organization of the national alliance. Also present was Julie Lazzara, PhD, co-founder of Landon’s Legacy Foundation, a new and impactful member organization of the Alliance, whose personal journey adds a profound layer of advocacy to the cause.
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Main Facts: A Convergence for Student Health
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Epilepsy Alliance America (EAA), a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with epilepsy, recently participated as a key exhibitor at the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) 2026 Conference. The event, held earlier this month at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, brought together school nurses from across the United States. EAA’s primary objective was to equip these essential healthcare professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively support students living with epilepsy.
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At their exhibit booth, EAA provided comprehensive resources focusing on critical areas such as accurate seizure recognition, immediate and appropriate seizure response techniques, and the development of individualized seizure action plans. These efforts are part of EAA’s broader commitment to fostering inclusive and safe school environments for students with epilepsy. The conference program itself acknowledged the importance of this topic, featuring dedicated sessions, including a notable presentation by school nurse and epilepsy advocate Jason Raether.
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The presence of Epilepsy Alliance America was championed by a distinguished team: Lisa Gallipoli, the Executive Director, who spearheaded the organization’s engagement; Amanda Mitchell, an EAA Board member and Executive Director of Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana, highlighting the strength of the national-state alliance model; and Julie Lazzara, PhD, co-founder of Landon’s Legacy Foundation, a new member organization bringing vital lived experience and advocacy to the forefront. Their collective presence underscored EAA’s collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by students with epilepsy. The conference provided an invaluable forum for direct engagement, allowing EAA to forge stronger connections with the school nurses who are instrumental in the daily well-being and academic success of these students.
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Chronology: A Focused Engagement in Las Vegas
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The journey of Epilepsy Alliance America to the NASN 2026 Conference was meticulously planned, reflecting the organization’s strategic approach to advocacy and education. Months prior to the conference, EAA’s team initiated preparations, identifying key educational materials to showcase, designing interactive elements for their exhibit booth, and coordinating schedules for their leadership team. The goal was clear: maximize engagement and information dissemination during the limited conference window.
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Upon arrival at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the EAA team, led by Executive Director Lisa Gallipoli, set up their exhibition space. The booth was designed to be welcoming and informative, featuring engaging visuals, clear signage outlining seizure first aid, and readily available brochures on various aspects of epilepsy management in schools. Digital resources, accessible via QR codes, complemented the physical materials, offering attendees a convenient way to access in-depth information post-conference.
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Throughout the multi-day conference, the EAA booth became a bustling hub of activity. Representatives engaged in countless one-on-one conversations with school nurses. These interactions were invaluable, allowing EAA to understand the specific challenges nurses face in different school districts and to tailor their advice and resources accordingly. Common questions revolved around the nuances of seizure types, differentiating between various seizure manifestations, and the legal responsibilities of schools under federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). EAA staff provided clarity on the components of a comprehensive Seizure Action Plan, emphasizing its role as a personalized medical document vital for immediate response and ongoing care.
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A significant highlight during the conference timeline was the featured presentation by Jason Raether. His session, likely focusing on practical strategies for seizure management in the school setting or perhaps the psychosocial impact of epilepsy on students, drew a substantial audience, indicating the high demand for specialized knowledge in this area. EAA representatives attended relevant sessions, further reinforcing their understanding of the current landscape of school health and identifying new avenues for collaboration and resource development.
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Beyond the exhibit hall, networking events provided additional opportunities for EAA representatives to connect with school nurses and other healthcare stakeholders. These informal interactions allowed for deeper discussions about systemic challenges, sharing success stories, and exploring potential partnerships. The conference concluded with a palpable sense of accomplishment for EAA, having directly impacted hundreds of school nurses with essential knowledge and resources, thereby laying the groundwork for improved care and understanding for students with epilepsy across the nation.
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Supporting Data: The Imperative for Preparedness
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The statistics surrounding epilepsy underscore the critical importance of initiatives like those championed by Epilepsy Alliance America at the NASN conference. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions globally, affecting approximately 3.4 million people in the United States, including about 470,000 children. This means that, on average, at least one student with epilepsy is present in most K-12 schools across the country. Given this prevalence, the likelihood of a school nurse encountering a student experiencing a seizure is not a matter of if, but when.
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Research consistently demonstrates that timely and appropriate seizure first aid can significantly mitigate the risks associated with seizures, including preventing injuries, reducing seizure duration, and potentially preventing more severe complications. Conversely, a lack of knowledge or preparedness among school staff can lead to delayed or incorrect responses, exacerbating stress for the student, potentially causing injury, and contributing to feelings of stigmatization.
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A 2020 study published in the Journal of School Nursing highlighted that while many school nurses receive general first aid training, specialized training in epilepsy and seizure management often varies widely. This disparity creates a crucial gap in care, which organizations like EAA are striving to fill. The development and adherence to a Seizure Action Plan (SAP) are paramount. An SAP is a written document, developed by the student’s neurologist or healthcare provider, that outlines the specific type of seizures the student experiences, prescribed medications, emergency contacts, and step-by-step instructions for seizure management. Effective implementation of SAPs requires school nurses and other designated school personnel to be thoroughly trained and familiar with each student’s unique plan.
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Furthermore, beyond immediate seizure response, students with epilepsy often face academic challenges, including missed school days, medication side effects, and cognitive difficulties. A supportive school environment, spearheaded by knowledgeable school nurses, can help address these issues through individualized education programs (IEPs) or 504 plans, ensuring students receive necessary accommodations and support to thrive academically and socially. The NASN reports that there are over 70,000 school nurses nationally, making them a formidable force in public health and a vital conduit for disseminating life-saving information and best practices regarding chronic conditions like epilepsy. Empowering these professionals directly translates into better health outcomes and enhanced educational experiences for countless students.
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Official Responses: Voices of Dedication and Hope
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The participation of Epilepsy Alliance America at the NASN 2026 Conference elicited strong positive feedback and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to its mission. Leaders from EAA and its member organizations shared their insights on the significance of the event.
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Lisa Gallipoli, Executive Director of Epilepsy Alliance America, articulated the profound impact of the direct engagement: "Our presence at the NASN Conference is not just about exhibiting; it’s about partnership. School nurses are truly the unsung heroes in ensuring the safety and success of students with epilepsy. By providing them with comprehensive training and resources on seizure recognition, response, and action plans, we are empowering them to act confidently and effectively. The conversations we had here reinforced the immense need for our programs and strengthened our resolve to reach every school in America."
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Amanda Mitchell, an EAA Board member and Executive Director of Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana, emphasized the strength of the collaborative model: "As a founding member organization, Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana understands the power of a unified national voice. Participating in NASN with Epilepsy Alliance America allows us to amplify our message and leverage collective resources. The issues students with epilepsy face are universal, regardless of state lines. By supporting school nurses, we’re building a network of informed caregivers who can make a tangible difference in a child’s life, preventing emergencies and fostering an environment where they feel understood and supported."
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Julie Lazzara, PhD, co-founder of Landon’s Legacy Foundation and a new member organization of EAA, shared her personal perspective and the foundation’s mission: "Landon’s Legacy Foundation was born from a deeply personal experience, aiming to ensure no other family has to endure the preventable tragedies that can arise from a lack of epilepsy awareness. Joining Epilepsy Alliance America and being present at this conference validates our efforts. It’s incredibly moving to see so many dedicated school nurses eager to learn and implement life-saving protocols. Every nurse we spoke with who committed to reviewing their school’s epilepsy policies or implementing seizure first aid training represents a potential life saved or an injury prevented. This is the heart of Landon’s Legacy."
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The sentiment from attending school nurses was equally positive. One nurse from a large urban district commented, "Epilepsy Alliance America’s booth was incredibly helpful. The materials on seizure action plans were practical and easy to understand, and their staff answered all my specific questions about managing complex seizure types. It’s reassuring to know there’s a national organization dedicated to supporting us in this critical area." Another nurse from a rural school highlighted, "Resources like these are invaluable, especially for schools with limited access to specialized training. EAA is providing tools that will directly impact the safety of our students."
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Implications: A Healthier, More Inclusive Educational Landscape
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The participation of Epilepsy Alliance America at the National Association of School Nurses 2026 Conference carries far-reaching implications for the health, safety, and overall well-being of students with epilepsy across the United States. By directly engaging with thousands of school nurses, EAA has significantly broadened the reach of its critical educational and advocacy initiatives, laying the groundwork for a more informed and prepared educational system.
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One of the most immediate implications is the enhanced preparedness of school nurses. Armed with updated resources on seizure recognition and response, and a deeper understanding of seizure action plans, these nurses are better equipped to act quickly and appropriately during a seizure event. This directly translates to fewer seizure-related injuries, reduced emergency room visits, and a greater sense of security for students and their families. The knowledge gained by these nurses will not only benefit individual students but will also likely trickle down to other school personnel through in-service trainings and policy updates, creating a broader safety net.
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Beyond immediate response, EAA’s engagement fosters a more inclusive school environment. When school staff understand epilepsy, they are better positioned to support students academically and socially, addressing challenges such as medication side effects, fatigue, or the need for accommodations. This reduces stigma and promotes an atmosphere where students with epilepsy feel valued and understood, rather than isolated. The partnerships forged at the conference could also lead to more standardized epilepsy training protocols across school districts, ensuring a consistent level of care regardless of location.
Looking ahead, the collaboration between Epilepsy Alliance America and the National Association of School Nurses is poised for continued growth. This initial engagement opens doors for joint initiatives, such as developing specialized online training modules for school nurses, co-hosting webinars, or advocating for state-level legislation that mandates epilepsy training for school staff. Such collaborations are crucial for sustaining momentum and embedding best practices into the fabric of school health policies nationwide.
Ultimately, the impact of EAA’s presence in Las Vegas extends beyond the conference halls. It represents a significant step towards creating a future where every student with epilepsy can attend school feeling safe, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. This strengthened alliance between epilepsy advocates and school health professionals promises to cultivate a healthier, more understanding, and truly inclusive educational landscape for all.
