Diabetes Advocacy in the Oregon Legislature
Do you want to help people with diabetes who experience discrimination at work, at school, or in other areas of their lives? Together we can transform the lives of all people with diabetes by working to find a cure, to improve access to health care, and to protect the rights of people with diabetes because theydeserve the same opportunities as everyone else.This presentation will include an overview of the State of Oregon legislation impacting people with diabetes, as well as opportunities for public policy to improve the lives of all Oregonians living with diabetes. After attending this session, you will be able to:
- Describe trends in diabetes insurance coverage at the State level.
- Identify factors related to insulin cost.
- Describe proposed policy interventions.
- Identify quick strategies to advocate for patients with diabetes.
About Laura Keller
Laura Keller has been with the American Diabetes Association for over 18 years. She was the Youth Program Director for 5 years; during this time, she worked in camps and youth programs for kids and families affected by diabetes. She also participated in the Teen Advocates program training teens to advocate on behalf of all people affected by diabetes. Now as Director of State Government Affairs and Advocacy for 9 states (AK, AZ, NM, ID, MT, OR, WA, UT, and Washington DC), Laura works to fund diabetes research and programs, to improve and protect insurance coverage, and to end discrimination against people with diabetes by partnering with state legislators, volunteers, community leaders, and coalitions. She supports legislation seeking to promote and improve the care, the prevention, the treatment, and the education of obesity and diabetes.