Over the past year, the Endocrine Society has advocated for the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), which funds type 1 diabetes research and education and prevention programs for Alaska Natives and American Indians.
Through our efforts working with the leadership of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus, the SDP was included in House legislation to extend funding of the government. The provision supports the Society’s request to fund these programs through 2019 at $300 million.
“The renewal of the Special Diabetes Program is key in continuing groundbreaking diabetes research and ensuring the most vulnerable patients with diabetes have access to prevention and education programs.” – Rob Lash, MD, chief professional and clinical officer, Endocrine Society
Representative Tom Reed (R-NY), co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus released a press statement quoting the Society and demonstrating his support for four critical healthcare programs that will have an impact on New York’s 23rdDistrict, which he represents: Medicare Dependent Hospitals, Low Volume Hospitals, Community Health Centers, and the Special Diabetes Program.
“Extending the funding for our rural hospitals and health care centers is a major win for our region,” Reed says in the release. “These dollars help keep the doors open and critical services available to our communities. It also ensures our seniors have access to the care they deserve.”
As Co-Chair of the Diabetes Caucus, Reed has been working to ensure the Special Diabetes Program was prioritized as well. “The Special Diabetes Program has provided funding that has resulted in monumental breakthroughs in the effort to cure diabetes. Continuing to fund this program is essential to finding a cure to the disease,” Reed adds.
The Endocrine Society’s Robert Lash, MD, chief professional and clinical officer, provided a comment in support of Reed’s efforts: “The renewal of the Special Diabetes Program is key in continuing groundbreaking diabetes research and ensuring the most vulnerable patients with diabetes have access to prevention and education programs. We are grateful to Diabetes Caucus Co-Chairs, Rep. Tom Reed and Rep. Diana DeGette who led the effort to include the SDP in the CR so this important research and prevention program would not go unfunded.”
The complete release is online.
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