The days have been short, but soon flowers will be in full bloom. COVID-19 continues, but breakthroughs promise better days, with JDRF advocating for priority vaccine access for those with type 1 diabetes (T1D). On the COVID-19 page on jdrf.org, you will find comprehensive information on the virus for the T1D community. The site is being continuously updated as we learn more.

We recognize that this past year has been a challenging time for everyone but wanted you to know we are thinking about our T1D community and are here for you. Below are some ways to stay connected locally and across the nation!

• TypeOneNation Virtual Summit
  On Saturday, April 24 JDRF will bring together the T1D community from coast-to-coast for a jam-packed day of education and interactive experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to attend sessions on topics that matter most to you, interact with our lineup of powerful speakers, learn about the latest research advancements from T1D experts and connect with peers from across the country. Don’t forget to join us at 3 p.m. for our Greater New England Chapter post-Summit networking session which will include breakout room discussions by age level.

• Virtual Education Series
  Visit our Virtual Education Series page to join us for future sessions and/or watch previously recorded sessions. Our next webinar is for school health teams, as we discuss specific considerations for 504 plans and how they are helpful to students living with T1D.  April 13: Tips and Trends in Formulating a Comprehensive 504 Plan for Your Students with Type 1 Diabetes presented by Mary Bennett, LICSW, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children. Please contact us at greaternewengland@jdrf.org with any questions and to share your ideas on topics to cover on future webinars.

• Chats from Home
  Whether you live in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont, join us for a Chat from Home! These informal virtual gatherings will be hosted by parents of children living with T1D and adults living with T1D. Come and meet other members of the T1D community, ask questions, share the triumphs and challenges of T1D, or just drop-in and listen. We are especially looking forward to welcoming individuals and families who have been diagnosed in the past year! While the chats are divided by age group, please feel free to join a meeting that fits your schedule—what matters is that you have the chance to meet other members of the Greater New England T1D community. With the exception of the adult chat, these sessions are intended for parents and caregivers of children living with T1D.

• Southern New England Coffee
  All are welcome to join the Southern New England Coffee Group Virtual Meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Connect and chat with members of the T1D community. RSVP is required by visiting: bit.ly/SNESupportGroup2020. On the day of the event you can join the meeting through Google Meet at: meet.google.com/hkw-qvih-txg.

• Engage with the JDRF Community from Anywhere!
  Stay connected and safe while staying up to date on research and continuing the fight against T1D. JDRF virtual events on Facebook Live, Zoom—and even Twitch!—make it possible. Attend any event, from anywhere—all you need is a screen and internet access! Check out our website for more resources like getting physical with type 1 diabetes: jdrf.org/t1d-resources/living-with-t1d/exercise.

Our team is here for you should you require any assistance or support and we welcome your feedback on what would be most helpful to you, your families, and teams in the days and weeks ahead. Please reach out to us at greaternewengland@jdrf.org at any time.