— AADE, Endocrine Society Join Effort Begun In Response to Harvey —

NEW YORK, September 8, 2017 – The two leading diabetes organizations, JDRF and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), announced that they will provide emergency support to the diabetes community affected by Hurricane Irma just as they did for Harvey, and they will do so with the support of two additional organizations.

The American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE) and the Endocrine Society are joining ADA and JDRF as the coalition prepares to provide emergency help to those that will be affected by Hurricane Irma. Other coalition members include the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), Insulin For Life and Research!America.

JDRF and the coalition marshaled their resources in a new hurricane relief effort launched last month to help those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The organizations provided information, medical supplies and support to Texans to help them manage their diabetes during the crisis. They teamed up with Insulin For Life, an organization that delivers insulin and testing supplies to people in need. Together, the organizations delivered more than 7,000 pounds of diabetes supplies to locations in Houston and facilities in Corpus Christi, Galveston, Harris County and San Antonio. The supplies include syringes, pen needles, alcohol pads, blood glucose meters, glucose test strips, lancets, and insulin — in both analogue and human insulins and vial and pen forms.

“Right now, it’s critical that we help provide people with diabetes whatever they need to stay safe in the management of their disease while they work to get the rest of their lives in order after this terrible storm,” said Derek Rapp, JDRF President and CEO. “People with type 1 diabetes simply can’t live without insulin and other supplies. We’re grateful for the partnership with these diabetes care organizations, especially their efforts to help in this emergency.”

For Irma, the group will deliver medical supplies in hurricane-stricken areas, operate a hotline (1-800-DIABETES) with extended hours to assist those in need, and work to boost on-the-ground efforts being led by local first responders, local health departments, the American Red Cross and FEMA.

Given the expanding needs of Hurricane Irma and continuing needs in Texas, the coalition has activated a new call center for physicians and health care providers to request diabetes supplies: 1-314-INSULIN. The supply request line will be open and staffed daily by members of the coalition starting Friday, September 8, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

A special webpage with information and resources — diabetes.org/hurricanerelief — is available for those with diabetes, caregivers, and on-site responders and care professionals facing the hurricane. It includes shelter locations; how to advocate for themselves or a loved one with diabetes; how to help someone with diabetes and signs of a diabetes emergency; and additional resources from partners on how to access supplies and/or medication. Information will be updated regularly.

During emergency crises such as this, it is critical for people with diabetes to have access to the medications and testing supplies needed to maintain proper blood glucose control, and to prevent serious sudden complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

About T1D

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s pancreas stops producing insulin, a hormone that enables people to get energy from food. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, called beta cells. While its causes are not yet entirely understood, scientists believe that both genetic factors and environmental triggers are involved. Its onset has nothing to do with diet or lifestyle. There is nothing you can do to prevent T1D, and — at present — nothing you can do to get rid of it.

About JDRF

JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Our mission is to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat T1D and its complications. To accomplish this, JDRF has invested more than $2 billion in research funding since our inception. We are an organization built on a grassroots model of people connecting in their local communities, collaborating regionally for efficiency and broader fundraising impact, and uniting on a national stage to pool resources, passion, and energy. We collaborate with academic institutions, policymakers, and corporate and industry partners to develop and deliver a pipeline of innovative therapies to people living with T1D. Our staff and volunteers throughout the United States and our six international affiliates are dedicated to advocacy, community engagement and our vision of a world without T1D. For more information, please visit jdrf.org or follow us on Twitter: @JDRF.

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Media Contact:
Jessica Parker
212-859-7802
jparker@jdrf.org