American Diabetes Association Applauds Washington State Leadership

4/11/2002

From: Bronwyn Reynolds of the American Diabetes Association 703-549-1500, ext. 1474

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 11 -- The American Diabetes Association today applauded Governor Gary Locke of Washington state and the leaders of the House of Representatives for the passage and signing of Senate Bill 6641, which protects children with diabetes in the school setting.

"This legislation provides an extra margin of safety at school for the approximately 3,000 school-aged children in Washington with diabetes. Signing the bill into law keeps alive the hope that these children will no longer face a life-threatening situation without trained personnel being at the school," said Steve Beiringer, Advocacy Director of the American Diabetes Association.

State Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, longtime advocate of increasing awareness about the seriousness of diabetes, championed the bill in the Senate and applauded its signing by the Governor. "As a registered nurse as well as a legislator, I know the importance of raising the awareness of the chronic illnesses many children have, among teachers as well as others in the school system," said Senator McAuliffe.

"Diabetes is the most overlooked disease and the most needful of our support," said Representative Dave Quall, a strong supporter of the legislation. "This bill provides a vehicle allowing us to work together to improve the safety net and end discrimination for kids with diabetes in school. This is an important step for the children of Washington state."

In addition to praising the diligent efforts of Senator McAuliffe and Representative Quall, the American Diabetes Association commended the leadership of Representatives Jerome Delvin, Eileen Cody and Shay Schual Berke. These legislators were were instrumental in this successful effort to protect kids with diabetes. Families of children with diabetes have much to be grateful for as a result of their hardtheir work in the Washington legislature. The Association also wants to recognize the passion and valuable contributions of the many diabetes teen advocates who worked tirelessly to promote this legislation.

The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information and advocacy. 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 supports local offices in every region of the country, and operates a comprehensive Web site at diabetes.org and a toll-free information line at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).