How My Idea Became Law in Connecticut
How My Idea Became Law in Connecticut
Written by Waylon Page
Posted: October 14, 2025. This article was originally shared in our Summer 2025 Newsletter.
My name is Waylon Page, and I am 13 years old. I have a Qualitative Platelet Dysfunction. I was diagnosed at the age of 4 when I had a major hemorrhage from getting my tonsils removed.
Because my bleeding disorder is rare, there is not much information or research, so my family and I attend as many events as we can to get new information and support. That is where I learned to become an advocate for myself and my community. For the past few years, we have also attended Washington Days with the National Bleeding Disorder Foundation (NBDF) as a representative of NEHA on behalf of Connecticut. Here, I have spoken with lawmakers and their staff to help change and keep laws that support and keep our community healthy.
Last summer, when I was in Georgia at the NBDF Bleeding Disorder Conference, I saw bleeding control kits on the wall, alongside AEDs. When I saw these, I asked my parents why we don’t have these in Connecticut. Once I got back home, I did some research into these kits and found out they are Stop The Bleed kits. After my research on them I got in contact with my State Representative, Irene Hanes, and asked her to look into why we don’t have these kits in Connecticut and try to get them here.
What are Stop The Bleed kits, you might ask? They are kits placed next to AEDs in case of any major trauma or bleed. These kits are equipped with tourniquets, gauze, a survival blanket, wound packing gauze, gloves, and a marker to keep track of the amount of time the tourniquet was in place. These kits can really help everyone in the case of any emergencies, not just those with bleeding disorders. These kits help turn ordinary people into a first responder who can help save lives before first responders arrive. Learn more here.
After meeting with Representative Hanes, I began doing research to figure out how we can get these kits mandated in Connecticut and what other states have done. First, I looked into what states have this type of law in place already, what the cost will be, and where other states have put their kits. Next, we consulted with two local trauma surgeons, who provided valuable insight into why these are needed in emergency situations. Finally, we worked with the Stop The Bleed organization, helped us to add language requiring trainings to help people learn how to use the kits, including first responders, teachers, coaches, and anyone else interested in learning.
After completing all of this research and working with experts, other lawmakers, and other organizations, H.B. 7200 was introduced into the Connecticut General Assembly. The legislation would require that a bleeding control kit is installed on each floor of every newly constructed public building, and that all current state buildings get them, as well. The bill also requires that the state begins hosting training sessions on how to use these kits, including for first responders, like police officers and firefighters.
In March, I was invited to testify in support of this bill in front of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Public Safety and Security Committee. I shared my story in front of many State Representatives and State Senators, and I explained why this bill is important to me and our community. That day, I was also joined by Alice-Marie Tenner, a friend in the bleeding disorder community, and she also shared her story and testified in support of the bill. This bill got many letters of support from a variety of organizations, including NEHA and NBDF. At the end of the hearing, they voted unanimously to move the bill out of the committee!
In May, we held a press conference to introduce the bill to the public and to urge lawmakers in the full House and Senate to pass the bill. During the press conference, we spoke in front of more lawmakers and three local news stations so that they know how these kits work and what’s inside of them. After the press conference, we had a Stop The Bleed training for the lawmakers to become Stop The Bleed Certified and learn what to do in case of a bleed.
Shortly after our press conference, the Connecticut House voted on the bill, where it passed by a vote of 142-2. The bill then moved up to the Connecticut Senate where it was passed by a unanimous vote right before the session adjourned for the year! In late June, Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill into law.
“I’m so proud to be working alongside Waylon Page, a very well-spoken and brave young man. I am amazed how eloquently he explained his disorder in a packed public hearing room this past session if front of the Legislative Public Safety Committee. But his testimony passed this bill. And this bill will save lives. I always encourage people to speak up and speak from the heart, and that’s exactly what Waylon did.” – Rep. Irene Haines CT-34
“We’re deeply proud to have watched him grow-from a curious little boy asking impossible questions to a thoughtful young man offering real solutions to the world around him. NEHA has given him the tools to use his voice with purpose, and now he speaks not just with passion, but with impact.” – Sarah & Chris Page, Waylon’s Parents
Seeing this bill passed and signed into law really made me feel good, not just because I helped come up with this bill, but because this bill will save many lives in Connecticut and we will all be safer because of it. Not just will bleeding disorder lives be saved from this, but the lives of everyday people can be saved as well. If anything were to happen, those people who have experienced major trauma and need these kits will have them and they will be able to come home to their loved ones.
Recognizing Waylon's Efforts
In August, Waylon received the Ryan White Youth Award from the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation (NBDF) for his work as a leader and advocate on behalf of the bleeding disorders community. In November, Waylon also received NEHA’s 2025 Advocate of the Year Award!
Waylon is 13 years old and has a Qualitative Platelet Dysfunction. He and his family live in Higganum, CT.