Dena Fuller, a vendor at the Beardstown Fall Fun Festival, approves of the latex glove ban.
Chris Krohe, of Beardstown, IL, is a testament to the transformative power of personal experiences, unwavering dedication, and the ability to bring about meaningful change. That’s the combination he mustered to champion the ban on latex gloves. The ban applied to restaurants in 2023 and expanded to health care workers in 2024.
While many kids with spina bifida develop latex allergies due to surgical glove exposure, Krohe's journey towards advocacy began when he discovered his severe allergy to latex when playing with balloons as a kid. He later experienced several instances of anaphylactic shock due to latex exposure during restaurant outings. His allergy also was triggered once during an ultrasound procedure because a technician grabbed the wrong gloves, despite his medical record warning of his allergy. That mistake landed Krohe in the emergency room. It also ignited his passion to raise awareness and effect change.
“I decided I needed to make a difference because I know there are others like me that have this life-impacting allergy,” he said.
His time at Western Illinois University (WIU) prepared him well for his advocacy. It was there that he developed a fervent interest in politics. His path was not without challenges. Financial aid mishaps and spina bifida health issues compelled him to withdraw from several semesters, interrupting his academic pursuits. Yet, despite these setbacks, Krohe's passion for leadership and community engagement never wavered.
The Legislative Advocacy Committee
Chris Krohe’s efforts that succeeded in passage of the Latex Glove Ban Act were instrumental in ISBA forming its legislative advocacy committee in 2023. The goal of the committee is to evaluate and advocate for legislation of importance to the spina bifida community.
According to Becky Ziegler Rupnick, ISBA Board Chair and a member of ISBA’s legislative advocacy committee, the General Assembly is working through numerous bills that are key to the spina bifida community in Illinois.
“Currently, we’re working with legislators to expand the Medicaid system to support more individuals living with spina bifida. We have bipartisan support in moving such a bill forward,” shared Rupnick. “Each bill typically involves different groups and committees. It is vital to build and maintain communications with the offices of the legislators and provide them with ISBA insights and input that can include written or in-person testimony at committee hearings,” added Rupnick.
Whenever there is a bill about which any member of the ISBA community thinks their voice should be heard, contact Rupnick at zieglerbecky@yahoo.com.
"At WIU, I was drawn to various organizations, driven by my innate desire to assist others," Krohe explained. "While my spina bifida prevented me from engaging in physical activities, it imbued me with the qualities of a compassionate and effective leader."
His tenure at WIU was marked by an impressive array of leadership roles. He served as president of his hall government for four years, led the disability organization for two years, and was at the helm of the horticulture club and the collegiate Future Farmers of America (FFA). Krohe's commitment extended beyond campus boundaries as he participated in the rec center advisory board, the A.D.A. advisory board, and the master plan steering team, an honor bestowed upon him by the university administration. He is also a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.
In 2019, Krohe initiated a correspondence with his state representative, resulting in the introduction of a bill aimed at addressing latex glove usage in food establishments. The bill achieved unanimous support in the House, only to falter in the Senate. Undeterred, Krohe harnessed the challenges posed by the pandemic to reignite his efforts. The result: he collaborated with a group of like-minded advocates from around the country who had successfully navigated similar legislative landscapes.
One of Krohe's pivotal collaborators was Michelle Mussman, an Illinois state representative from Schaumburg, who had previously championed the cause. The partnership involved intricate strategies, late-night exchanges, and even negotiations with opposition groups. "We remained resolute in our vision," Krohe emphasized, underscoring the collective determination of the group.
The bill's resurgence garnered success once again in the House, traversing the path to the Senate. Krohe's strategic outreach extended to numerous senators, fostering bipartisan support for the cause. He rallied a Facebook group of supporters, encouraging them to share their stories and advocate for change. The culmination of Krohe's efforts arrived as the bill was finally approved in the Senate, a triumphant outcome after three years of relentless dedication.
Keep your eye on Krohe. He aspires to political office. "I've always been deeply invested in politics and driven by the desire to help others," he said. "Running for office is a dream, albeit a challenging one. But I firmly believe in the potential of change through persistent, principled effort."
As the man behind the latex glove ban in Illinois, Krohe's story certainly can inspire other to strive for meaningful changes. Even in the face of tough odds, the power of a single voice can resonate far and wide.
The Latex Glove Ban
The Latex Glove Ban Act, which the Illinois General Assembly passed and Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law, went into effect in 2023. It is designed to protect workers and customers who may be allergic to latex.
The law allows for some exceptions, but they must be “due to a crisis that interrupts a food service establishment’s ability to source nonlatex gloves.” If latex gloves are used, a sign much be prominently displayed.
Starting in 2024, the latex ban also applies to health care settings.
At least seven other states have similar bans: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Ohio, Oregon and Rhode Island.