Emergency diabetes coalition to receive major global award

A group of eight leading diabetes organisations will receive a major award for their efforts to help people during several major hurricanes in Florida, Texas and Puerto Rico.
The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) 2018 “Summit Power of A” prize is to be given to the Diabetes Emergency Relief Coalition.
It is the highest recognition for associations that go above and beyond in solving problems and creating a stronger world, the ASAE said.
The coalition was founded by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), JDRF and Insulin for Life USA in 2017. Membership then included the Endocrine Society, T1D Exchange, Research!American, the American Association of Diabetes Educators and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
It was created to help those with diabetes who had been affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.
As well as sending much needed insulin supplies, the group raised money and helped connect healthcare professionals in a bid to reach everyone whose diabetes health was affected after the hurricanes hit.
Ahead of this year’s hurricane season in the US, the coalition is building an infrastructure that will permanently be in place to respond and support people with diabetes who are impacted by future disasters.
ADA’s chief scientific, medical and mission officer William Cefalu, said: “Given my experience with Hurricane Katrina in Southern Louisiana, I knew the devastating impact that Hurricane Harvey’s severe flooding would have on people living with diabetes in Texas.
“I was humbled to have the collaboration from our colleagues at JDRF, Insulin for Life, the Endocrine Society, AACE, AADE, Research!American, and T1D Exchange, who joined with us, among others.
“While it is in our nature as healthcare providers, we are honoured by the recognition for our collective efforts to do the right thing for our patients. And thank you to the Endocrine Society for their leadership and nomination to the ASAE of the Coalition’s important work.”