Renzi Introduces Legislation for Special Diabetes Program

A bill to reauthorize $200 million a year for diabetes education, care, and treatment WASHINGTON, D.C. U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (R-AZ) announced that he recently introduced H.R. 2762, along with Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO), Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), and Congressman Michael N. Castle (R-DE). This bill would reauthorize $200 million each year for the Special Diabetes Program for Type I Diabetes and Special Diabetes Program for Native Americans from 2009 to 2013. Started in 1997, the Special Diabetes Program for Native Americans provides funding for diabetes treatment and prevention for nearly 400 Indian Health Service, tribal, and urban Native American health programs. "I am pleased to announce this legislation because thousands of my constituents are affected by this disease everyday," said Congressman Renzi. "It is my hope that those in need of assistance will benefit from the Special Diabetes Program for years to come." According to a study by the Navajo Nation Indian Health Service, through the Special Diabetes Program, the Navajo Special Diabetes Project provided education, information, and screening to over 11,000 Navajo people on the Navajo Nation through formal and informal presentations. The funds would be distributed to various programs throughout the country through federal grants. These grants will be used for diabetes care, patient education, culturally-appropriate physical activity, nutrition, and weight management activities.