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Posted by Robin July 20, 2006 CONTACTS: Allyn Brooks-LaSure (Menendez) 202-224-4744 Alex Formuzis (Lautenberg) 202-224-7340 Legislation in memory of New Jersey native guarantees similar tragedies will never occur The legislation is named in memory of Danielle Gruskowski, a Carteret, New Jersey native who passed away when staff members at her group home failed to call 9-1-1 following a severe fever and respiratory complications. “All Americans deserve an advocate, and today I am speaking for those that often cannot speak for themselves,” Menendez said. “I’m proud to be an advocate for individuals with disabilities, and I’m proud to be an advocate for the families in New Jersey who are counting on safe, secure and healthy independent living environments for their loved ones with disabilities.” “This bill will bring peace of mind to the families of people with serious disabilities,” said Lautenberg. “I’ll keep working with Senator Menendez to improve the lives of New Jerseyans.” Danielle was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes a delay or regression in development, including speech, hand skills, and coordination. Tragically, on November 5, 2002, Danielle passed away at the age of 32 when no one in the group home where she lived called 9-1-1 during an emergency situation. U.S. Representative Rush Holt (D-NJ) championed the bill in the House of Representatives, and on the state level, New Jersey passed Danielle’s Law in 2003. That law received wide support from the Carteret Fire and EMT Departments which stated, “We are hopeful that along with Danielle’s Law, emergency and special care organizations will be able to better coordinate with each other to ensure that similar tragedies don’t occur in the future, because we maintain that any tragedy is a tragedy too many.” # # #
on July 25, 2006, 8:10 pm
205.188.117.13
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MENENDEZ, LAUTENBERG INTRODUCE ‘DANIELLE’S ACT’ TO ENSURE SAFETY OF AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today introduced Danielle’s Act, a bill that will require staff working with individuals with developmental disabilities or traumatic brain injuries to call emergency services in the event of a life-threatening situation. The legislation would raise the standard of care by improving staff training and ensuring that individuals with developmental disabilities get emergency care when they need it.
M. Allyn Brooks-LaSure | Office of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez | 202
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