American Diabetes Association Urges Gov. Davis to Protect Children with Diabetes in California Public Schools

9/12/2002

From: Lisa Murdock of the American Diabetes Association, 916-924-3232 ext.7415; lmurdock@diabetes.org

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 12 -- The American Diabetes Association is urging Governor Gray Davis to sign into law Assembly Bill 481; legislation that is vital to the health and welfare of children with diabetes in California. Upon enactment, AB 481 will require school administrator training in the administration of diabetes glucose tests and medication if a child with diabetes is attending their school.

The provision also allows teachers to volunteer for training to assist children with diabetes. Laws similar to the legislation are in force in other states including Virginia, Washington and North Carolina.

"The fate of children with diabetes in California is in the hands of Governor Gray Davis and we urge him to sign AB 481 into law," said Francine R. Kaufman, M.D., President, American Diabetes Association and a pediatric endocrinologist at Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California Medical School. Dr. Kaufman continued, "The plight of children with diabetes and their families in California public schools is more desperate with each passing day due to the lack of school nurses and the increased number of children who require medication during the day. Since the Association's past attempts to secure additional school nurses have been unsuccessful, it is vital that Governor Davis protect the right of children with diabetes to have the safe public education afforded to all children in California by signing this measure into law."

Assembly Member Marco Antonio Firebaugh (D-50), the legislation's author, believes that AB 481 provides a reasonable solution to the problems children with diabetes face in public schools. "I have worked with the diabetes community and the California School Nurse's Organization (CSNO) and the California Medical Association (CMA) for the past year to begin fixing the problems faced by children with diabetes in public schools," said Assembly Member Firebaugh. "This legislation balances the needs of children living with diabetes and the resources of the schools and school districts. It is important for our Governor to realize the challenges faced by children with diabetes and see the need to sign AB 481 into law."

Dr. Kaufman added, "There are approximately 15,000 children with diabetes in California who will have new protections once Governor Davis signs AB 481 into law. "Typically these children are between the ages of 5 and 8. By supporting and filling the needs of these young children who cannot always care for themselves, this provision has lifesaving potential for many California children."

Governor Davis has about 21 days to sign, veto, or let the bill become law without his signature.

The American Diabetes Association is enlisting the help of its more than 43,000 members in California to encourage the Governor to sign the bill into law.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. Our advocacy efforts include helping to combat discrimination against people with diabetes; advocating for the increase of federal diabetes research and programs; and improved access to, and quality of, healthcare for people with diabetes.

The Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association provides service to hundreds of communities across the country. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.