Hannah Colizzi

Dear Chair and Members of the Committee, My name is Hannah Colizzi, and I am writing to express my strong support for legislation to establish seizure safe schools in New Hampshire. This issue is of great personal importance to me. I have loved ones who live courageously with epilepsy, and witnessed how unpredictable and frightening seizures can be. Many people are not diagnosed until their first major seizure. Research indicates that about 48% of children come to medical attention at the time of their first unprovoked seizure. This means nearly half of these kids have no prior diagnosis or warning before their first seizure. Imagine how profoundly challenging it can be for a young individual to feel at ease under these circumstances, particularly when those around them are unaware of the situation or unsure how to respond. In those moments, a lack of understanding can make an already serious situation even more overwhelming. In addition, I have experienced photosensitivity issues myself and gone through the process of being tested for Epileptic seizures. This has given me insight into how confusing and scary it can feel when your body does something you don’t fully understand. This experience made it clear to me how important awareness and education truly are. time. Furthermore, it is essential that individuals feels supported during this time. At its core, this bill holds more significance than a medical response. It is about ending stigma and creating safe, supportive environments for students. Seizure disorders are frequently misunderstood, which can result in fear, social isolation, or uncertainty in responding during an emergency. Every child deserves to feel safe and validated at school regardless of a medical condition, and no parent should have to worry about whether their child will receive appropriate care. By ensuring that school staff are trained in seizure recognition and first aid, and by putting clear plans in place for students who need them, this legislation helps solidify confidence. This not only applies to educators, but for families and students as well. It sends a message that these students are seen, understood, and protected. When schools are informed and readily prepared, they become safer for everyone. This bill has the power to replace fear with knowledge, stigma with understanding, and uncertainty with action. I strongly encourage support for initiatives that foster safety, security, and support for every student. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,? Hannah Colizzi Salem New Hampshire Resident/Prior student of Salem High School