JDRF is excited to announce new bilingual resources and multicultural initiatives launching during Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout the month, JDRF has spotlighted newly released Spanish-language resources available from JDRF and the JDRF-Beyond Type 1 Alliance. These materials can be found by clicking here.

The Virtual TypeOneNation Summit that was held Saturday, September 26, included a session hosted in Spanish entitled “Knowing When to Ask for Help: Mental Health & Parenting T1D.” The panel featured Beyond Type 1 Program Manager Mila Ferrer, Diabetes Educator Daniela Rojas, and T1D parent Margarita Moncada. “We are excited to expand our reach to include the Spanish-language resources and events,” explains Sarah Noel, JDRF Vice President, Community Engagement & Strategic Alliances. “As an organization, it is our goal to begin meeting members of our broad T1D community where they are, and this is the first of many steps to come led by initiatives from our Diversity and Inclusion Task Force.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports estimate a 4.2 percent annual increase of newly diagnosed cases of type 1 diabetes, most sharply in Hispanic youth ages 0-19. Recognizing the increased need to connect with the Spanish-speaking community, JDRF translated its popular T1D resources to provide information and support needed to understand what T1D is, how to support an individual living with T1D, and how to manage the disease.

Finally, JDRF is currently developing and working to launch the Bolsa de Esperanza (Spanish language Bag of Hope)! In addition to the The Begin With Hope Guide, already downloadable in Spanish, and the Pink Panther book, JDRF will be working to translate all available resources. And don’t worry, we didn’t forget Rufus, El Oso Con Diabetes. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we are look forward to extending our resources and our support to a larger community.