Diabetes Caucus Introduces Bill to
Help Minorities Prevent and Treat Diabetes
Wizards’ Stackhouse Joins Caucus to Discuss Threat to Minorities

Washington - Sept. 25, 2002
Congressional Diabetes Caucus co-chairs, U.S. Reps. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and George Nethercutt (R-Wash.), were joined by Washington Wizard Jerry Stackhouse today on Capitol Hill to introduce legislation aimed at improving care, education, prevention, and treatment of diabetes within minority communities.

The Diabetes Prevention Access and Care Act (DPAC) authorizes additional National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention research that identifies clinical, socio-economical, geographical, cultural, and organizational factors within minority populations that contribute to the onset of type 2 (previously called adult-onset) diabetes and poor health management of type 1, or juvenile diabetes.

In an effort to prevent diabetes, the bill authorizes programs that provide for better access to education on the causes and effects of diabetes for minority populations. In addition, the bill requires the identification and implementation of appropriate and comprehensive modes of treatment and care for minority populations.

“Diabetes is a health crisis in minority communities. Among adults over the age of 19, African Americans are twice as likely as Caucasians to have diabetes, and American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.6 times more likely to have diabetes,” said DeGette. “I’m pleased that Jerry will be joining us to discuss the effects of diabetes on the African-American community, and on his own family.”

“Jerry and I have two things in common: We both have loved ones who suffer from diabetes, and we both are committed to helping educate people on diabetes prevention and treatment. I’m glad he’s here to talk about how ways to improve prevention and treatment efforts in minority communities so burdened by this disease,” Nethercutt said.

Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and minorities suffer from the highest incidence of diabetes and its complications.

The Congressional Diabetes Caucus is one of the largest and most influential Congressional organizations. Founded in 1995, the Diabetes Caucus is chaired by Reps. George Nethercutt (R-Wash.) and Diana DeGette (D-Colo.), along with Co-Vice Chairs Curt Weldon (R-Pa.) and John LaFalce (D-N.Y.), and has grown to over 290 members. The mission of the Caucus is to increase the awareness of diabetes in Congress and to promote greater research into diabetes and diabetes-related complications.