Just one way of getting involved.
Also, here is something newsworthy:
On December 10, 2009 the House of Representatives passed, by a voice vote, H. Res. 35, a resolution urging increased federal funding for type 1 diabetes research. Introduced by Rep. Gene Green (D-TX) and co-sponsored by 101 House members, this non-binding resolution highlights the economic toll diabetes places on our society and the serious complications faced by people with type 1 diabetes. The resolution’s support for increased federal research funding is aligned with the six goal areas established by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to guide type 1 diabetes research focused on the reduction, prevention, and cure of type 1 diabetes and its complications.
H. Res. 35 acknowledges the recommendation of leading diabetes researchers to double the current level of NIH funding for type 1 diabetes research. In 2009, NIH provided a total of $433 million in diabetes research. Included in that funding is $150 million specifically for the Special Diabetes Program that Congress currently provides annually though fiscal year 2011. The research supported by this unique program is showing real progress in identifying the root causes of the disease, testing new therapies and treatments and making great strides in our effort toward a cure for type 1 diabetes.
In combination with all the great work being done by JDRF advocates on a daily basis, the House passage of H. Res 35 serves as a critical reminder to Members of Congress of the burden of living with type 1 diabetes and the importance of funding research in the quest for a cure. JDRF’s top legislative priority is the renewal of the Special Diabetes Program so that the NIH can continue large-scale clinical trials and proactively plan next steps to maximize type 1 diabetes research opportunities. Separate legislation (H.R. 3668) has been introduced in the House to renew the program, and the House’s demonstration of support today represents an essential step toward our goal of securing additional funding for the Special Diabetes Program beyond 2011..