Learning about JDRF Advocacy through Government Day

Advocacy is at the heart of JDRF’s mission to accelerate life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). “We help raise money that funds JDRF’s mission by going to Congress to ensure the Federal government invests in type 1 diabetes research. Our efforts come to life through our tireless work of volunteers from around the country,” said Cynthia Rice, JDRF Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Policy. To understand more about why JDRF advocates for people and families living with T1D, watch a brief video from JDRF 2016 Government Day, click here.

2 Days, 500 Congressional Meetings
As Gartha Ingram III from the JDRF Indiana State Chapter said during Government Day,

“JDRF has had a huge impact. In just two short days, we’re able to meet with 500 Congressional delegates. If we had more people, just imagine how much more we could affect the message that JDRF is trying to send about type 1 diabetes.”

The advocates know that through sharing their own personal stories they will improve the lives of people with T1D through the continued support of the Special Diabetes Program, which last year secured a two-year extension of $300 million in federal funding to support T1D research. This year our advocates called for Medicare’s coverage of continuous glucose monitors for people over 65 years of age.

Making a Difference at Home
“You don’t have to live inside the beltway to make a difference,” according to Sherri Nickell from the Central Florida Chapter, “the more advocates we gather, the stronger voice we will have. And over the years since I’ve been coming to JDRF Government Day, our voice is stronger and stronger every year.”

Why It Matters:
Advocacy is advancing JDRF’s mission, raising critical funds for T1D research, helping advance therapies through the regulatory process and ensuring that the latest therapies and devices are accessible to people living with type 1 diabetes.