Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Network (DAN) represents patient and professional organizations that are coming together in a unified effort to change the way diabetes is viewed and treated in Pennsylvania. The goal of the network is to increase awareness of diabetes as a public health concern, and to identify, develop, and support programs that prevent diabetes.
DAN has representation from PA Medical Society, Hospital Association of Pennsylvania, PA Optometric Society, PA-AADE, PA Dietetic association, PA Association of Community Health Centers, YMCA’s, Department of Health, Department of Aging, and State Government Commission (charged with preparing the biannual Diabetes Report). This next report will come out in the Fall of 2019. Approximately 20-25 people are in attendance at the DAN meetings.
At the March 2019 meeting State Representative Donna Oberlander, Chair of the House Republican Policy Committee & Co-Chair of the Diabetes Caucus discussed the need for education and awareness on the issue of diabetes. Representative Oberlander introduced HB 410 to provide coverage for anti-obesity medications. The Representative encouraged the group to reach out to her on any issues. Legislators are always looking for content for newsletters. This is an excellent opportunity for diabetes educators to work closely with your respective state legislator.
PA-AADE is represented on this network by Tricia Davidson & Lisa Laird. Other AADE members on the network are: Carol Speicher, representing the PA Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Marianne McAndrew, representing the PA State Nurses Assoc.; and Deb Zlomek, representing PMSI Comprehensive Health care.
One of the issues raised at the March 2019 meeting was the need for professional organizations to have a list of educational and community resources for their membership.
PA-AADE has an opportunity to provide this if each LNG were to identify what resources are in the area. Contact your local LNG leaders to provide an update on the services that you and your organizations provide. This is a start for making our voices heard across the state!
Marianne McAndrew, DNP, RN, CDE