On Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 33 JDRF Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter advocates held 10 legislative visits, meeting with every member or staff aide for our eight congressional districts and our senators to thank them for their support of the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program (SDP). Our advocates also shared their T1D stories and passion for why it is important for our federal officials to support JDRF’s legislative priorities.

In February, Congress passed the remainder of a two-year, $300 million renewal of the SDP, which funds critical type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. This brings total program funding for T1D research to $2.8 billion. This year’s Government Day has helped to set the stage for future SDP, National Institutes of Health, and Food and Drug Administration funding.

Interested in becoming a JDRF Advocate? Use your voice to help secure legislative support for research, influence sound policy making, and improve the quality of life for all those affected by T1D by clicking here.