Introduction:

Access to self-management training and supplies would allow many people with diabetes to prevent or delay the complications. It is sensible and cost effective but not always done. African Americans, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans who are at extremely high-risk for diabetes and its complications often do not have adequate access to health care, self-management training and medical supplies. Additionally, significant numbers of people who are uninsured and underinsured do not have access to these resources and are also at much higher risk for developing preventable long-term complications.

State funding is a critical factor in sustaining diabetes prevention and control programs in minority populations and in the population at large. Annual advocacy efforts focus on educating members of the Michigan legislature about sustaining and growing state appropriations for diabetes prevention and control programs.

Diabetes Strategic Plan Recommendations being pursued:

• Improve access to diabetes self-management training, supplies and health care
• Reduce health disparities among high-risk minority populations.
• Advocate for diabetes prevention and control programs.

Committee activity progress:

In progress
Monitor and update (every 3-5 years) the Michigan Diabetes Strategic Plan.

In progress
Improve diabetes care for uninsured/underinsured people

• Focus on individuals who use the Michigan “Access to Care Community Coalition” plans as their source of health care.
• Support efforts to increase the number of Federally Qualified Health Plan sites in Detroit, Michigan.

In progress
Reduce health disparities among high-risk minority populations.

Completed; via Diabetes and Kidney Advocacy Day April 20, 2005
Advocate for Diabetes and Kidney Disease prevention programs and other public policy issues of importance to people with diabetes.

For more information on the DPAC Advocacy and Policy Committee contact:

Dan Diepenhorst of the Michigan Department of Community Health. 517-335-9462