Below is more information about helping PWDs in need after Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. If you have materials you can donate, please use the information below to follow the proper steps.
From the American Diabetes Association:
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Our local teams are deployed and doing everything they can to support those living with diabetes and impacted by these storms. We continue to receive questions from concerned citizens about our efforts and how to help.
Current Relief Efforts
We received a call from a woman with no electricity and struggling to keep her insulin cool. She wasn’t sure what she was going to do. After speaking with her, we called the local fire department to let them know of the situation. Soon after, the Fire Department showed up at her house with plenty of ice. She called us to say thank you.
–Arlene, Managing Director, ADA Center for Information
“I was so happy that you answered my call and listened to my concerns. Most places would not do that, and I’m grateful for the American Diabetes Association.”
–Linda
Supplies
Convened by the American Diabetes Association, a partnership of eight leading diabetes care and research organizations have formed the Diabetes Emergency Relief Coalition to help provide critical diabetes supplies and support to regions impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. The Coalition includes us, JDRF, Insulin for Life USA, the Endocrine Society, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, Research! America, and T1D Exchange. Together, we have shipped thousands of pounds of free diabetes supplies to survivors of hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Special efforts are now being made to ship supplies to the Caribbean by boat where airports are not yet open.
The Latest Resources & Information
Our Center for Information has helped hundreds of people impacted by the hurricanes because we were able to keep the phone lines at 1-800-DIABETES open with extended hours.
We have also launched a special online resource page, diabetes.org/hurricanerelief, which is updated regularly. The site includes the latest shelter locations; information for people with diabetes and caregivers; information for emergency responders and relief personnel; how to donate unexpired and unopened diabetes supplies; and federal and state assistance resources.
Outreach
Our national and local staff, along with volunteers, have been making outreach calls to our community members to ensure they have the information to manage diabetes when access to their doctors and pharmacy may be limited or unavailable.
How You Can Help
Here are ways you can join in our efforts:
- Donate Diabetes Supplies. Do you have extra, unexpired and unopened insulin pens, vials and cartridges, A1C Test Kit, KetoSticks, test strips or Glucagon? Click here for details on how to donate them.
- Make a Gift. Our national team, as well as our local staff living in affected communities, will continue to work on efforts like this for as long as necessary. Your donation will support our hurricane relief efforts and the support that we are providing to assist all people impacted by diabetes in these hard-hit areas.
Thank you to everyone for your support. Together, we are making a difference for so many.
With gratitude,
William T. Cefalu, MD
Chief Scientific, Medical & Mission Officer
P.S. Please share our Hurricane Update and Resources with anyone impacted by these devastating hurricanes.