One Voice Speaking Up for Special Diabetes Program (SDP) Renewal

The Special Diabetes Program (SDP) is a critical program that provides $150 million annually for type 1 diabetes (T1D) research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the country’s premier medical research agency. The SDP was most recently renewed by Congress in April 2015 and is currently set to expire on September 30, 2017. Renewal of the SDP is one of JDRF’s top legislative priorities, to ensure that promising SDP-funded research can continue delivering results toward better treatments, therapies, and – ultimately – a cure for T1D. And you can help. 

Why SDP renewal is essential

Congress created the SDP back in 1997, thanks to the bipartisan leadership of U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Clinton White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles, after a Congressional Diabetes Research Working Group reported serious limitations in diabetes research—for T1D in particular—largely due to inadequate funding. The SDP consists of two initiatives: one to advance T1D research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH); and the other to fund treatment, education and prevention programs for American Indian and Alaska Native populations, who are disproportionately affected by type 2 diabetes.

Multiple-year funding—such as the most recent two-year renewal—is essential to continuing large-scale trials, proactively planning next steps for research programs and allocating research dollars most effectively. That’s why we must continue to work to ensure that the SDP is consistently renewed by the Congress.

Take action in support of the SDP!

We need your help to ensure that this critical research continues. Stand with the T1D community – complete this short form to urge Congress to renew the SDP.

If you haven’t done so already, please sign up to be a JDRF Advocate. Your voice will help us make a difference in the fight to help turn Type One into Type None.

Become an advocate

What is grassroots advocacy?  Advocates write and call Members of Congress through initiatives.  Advocates meet with lawmakers and their staff.  Advocates share and sign petitions.  Advocates tell our stories of living with T1D.  Advocates inspire others to raise their voices.

Use your voice to help secure legislative support for research, influence sound policymaking and improve the quality of life for all those affected by T1D—until we find a cure.

 Join Today

Become a JDRF Advocate by texting “ACT” to 53731 or sign up online.

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