Every year, JDRF Advocacy volunteers from across the country head to Washington, D.C. for #JDRFGovDay to meet with our nation’s Representatives and advocate for important issues such as insulin affordability and funding for critical type 1 diabetes (T1D) research through the Special Diabetes Program. This year’s JDRF Government Day took place from March 19, 2023 – March 23, 2023.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the Upstate NY Advocates who attended this year’s Government Day: Edward Dickey, Jill Folsom, and Morgan Thomas. Additionally, we extend special thanks to our Advocacy Team Chair (ATC), Nancy May Skinner, for organizing and scheduling meetings with the following Representatives and their staffers. Keep reading to get a closer look at their incredible experience on Capitol Hill!

Ed Dickey, along with Greater NYC Chapter’s constituency, attended a meeting with a staff member who works with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. Morgan Thomas and Jill Folsom met with Jim Robertson from the office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (District 21) and Jordan Jablonski from the office of Congressman Joe Morelle (District 25).

Together, Edward, Morgan, and Jill attended the following meetings:

• Congressman Marcus Molinaro (District 19) and staffer Carlonie Doxsee
• Emily Silverberg from the office of Congressman Paul Tonko (District 20)
• George Iverson from the office of Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (District 24)
• Jessica Burrell form the office of Congressman Brian Higgins (District 26)

Our Advocates also met with newly elected members of Congress, Representative Brandon Williams and Representative Nick Langworthy to provide them with information on T1D, the SDP, and JDRF’s mission.

If you would like to learn more about JDRF’s Advocacy efforts and find ways to get involved, visit https://www.jdrf.org/impact/advocacy/

Photo credit: Jill Folsom