AMVETS Contributes $15,000 Toward Diabetes Research

10/13/2003

From: Francesca DiMarco or Dick Flanagan, 301-459-9600 both of AMVETS

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 -- When it comes to helping out, AMVETS knows how to get the job done -- in a big way. Thanks to a $15,000 donation from them, Dr. John Kopchick, professor of molecular biology and his team of researchers at Ohio University will be able focus their efforts toward the early identification and cure for diabetes. The check will be presented by AMVETS National Commander, S. John Sisler at the University's Edison Biotechnology Institute in Athens.

"With the annual cost of diabetes healthcare increasing by $34 million over the last six years, AMVETS hopes that this will be one step towards fighting this national epidemic," said AMVETS National Commander S. John Sisler.

Type II Diabetes affects 17 million Americans and another 20 million are undiagnosed or are susceptible to the disease. In addition, there are more than 127,000 children with diabetes.

The disease has also had an impact on the veterans' community. In a report issued by the National Academy of Sciences, evidence suggested a link between Type II Diabetes and herbicides used in Vietnam, to include Agent Orange. The disease has been added to a list of recognized conditions for veterans who served in Vietnam. In addition, an estimated 15 percent of patients admitted to Veterans Affairs Medical Centers have diabetes, and it is considered an increasing health care problem.

"By helping to fund the Ohio University's Edison Biotechnology Institute diabetes research, we are contributing to something meaningful for the benefit of not only America's veterans, but also the American people as well," said Sisler.

A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America's Armed Forces, AMVETS provides, not only support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, but also community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation's citizens.