MCDIN - Diabetes Advocacy

Advocacy provides you with links to organizations working to Cartoon of a man in a cloud standing atop of a city

provide you with the resources needed to promote effective disease management. Learn about legislation, grant programs, government initiatives and managed care policies that affect the quality of chronic disease care on the local, state, and national levels. Other miscellaneous advocacy resources from the non-profit sector are also included here.

Specific issues related to diabetes care this month:

ADA LAUNCHES PROGRAM TARGETING YOUTH WITH DIABETES

The American Diabetes Association launched a multifaceted program targeting young people with diabetes during its 60th annual meeting and scientific sessions being held in San Antonio, Texas.

This new project is a 4-part program that includes "Wizdom," a kit for kids and their parents. The kits will be distributed free of charge through the American Diabetes Association's toll-free number, upon referral from physicians or other diabetes care providers. A dynamic new youth Web site featuring the Wizdom characters is also a special interactive highlight of the program.

The new "Youth Zone" on the Association's Web site will contain several roundtable host forums for kids and parents so they can interact with people around the world about diabetes, a listing of ADA-supported summer camps for kids with diabetes, snack ideas, diabetes care checklists, and a "Brain Sprain" section that has puzzles and games, to be added to throughout the year.

NEW!
Grant Opportunity:

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts seeks to improve the health of vulnerable individuals in 60 cities across central MA. The foundation gives approximately $25 million annually, 80% through its Synergy Initiative, which funds integrated, comprehensive strategies designed to redress health disparities by improving access to care and promoting healthy lifestyles. The foundation believes integration is the key because the determinants of health care are medical care, socioeconomic status, environment, genetics, lifestyle, and behavior.

The foundation requests that potential applicants contact foundation staff before submitting letter of intent which are due at any time.

Information: Health Foundation of Central Mass, 255 Park Ave.,
10th Fl., Worcester, MA 01609, 508-797-3010.

The Massachusetts "Act Relative to Diabetes Cost Reduction" is effective August 2, 2000. This legislation, signed into law by Governor Paul Celluci, provides coverage for specified diabetes-related items and services. A recent provider bulletin from the Commissioner of Insurance for the Commonwealth, Linda Ruthardt, outlines the provisions of the new law, referred to as Chapter 81. Under Chapter 81 the following categories of services must be covered under the insurance packages of all health insurers not excluded by the federal ERISA law. These services are:

State & Local Organizations Working To Advocate For Effective Diabetes Care
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Massachusetts	Blue Cross & Blue Shield regularly reviews its medical policies. For more information, please call Electric Blue Review @ 617-832-7415.
Medical Policy Review For complete list of medical BCBS policies

Massachusetts Medical Society	The purpose of the Mass. Medical Society is to advance medical knowledge, develop and maintain the highest professional and ethical standards of medical practice and health care, and promote medical institutions formed on liberal principles for the health, benefit and welfare of the citizens of the Commonwealth."
District Medical Societies
Committees on Legislation/ Community Action
Committee on the Quality of Medical Practice B. Dale Magee, M.D. M.S., Chair

Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA)	The Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, and by lobbying the legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
Massachusetts Hospital Association (MHA)	Through leadership in public advocacy, education, and information, MHA represents and advocates for the collective interests of its member hospitals and health systems, and supports their efforts to provide high quality, cost effective, and accessible care.
Massachusetts Home & Health Care Association	The Home & Health Care Association of Massachusetts is a statewide organization dedicated to promoting home health care as an integral part of the health care delivery system.
Health Care For All	Health Care For All's Policy Department monitors and analyzes public policy affecting Massachusetts residents' access to health care.
Healthy Homes for Healthy Kid (Website in Progress)	Advocates for city and state laws, changes that will regulate policies and problems, and funding sources to responsibly address children's health & housing conditions.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Advocacy Resources
State of Massachusetts	Links to state agencies which serve the health and health information needs of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Executive Office of Health & Human Services
Division of Medical Assistance
Department of Public Health
Division of Health Care Finance & Policy

State Senators & Representatives	Look-up your state senator or representative. Learn what committees he/she serves on and how to contact him/her.
Search Current Legislation & Laws in MA.	The Legislature provides this information as a public service. To verify information about pending legislation, you can call either the Senate Clerk's Office at (617) 722-1276 or the House Clerk's Office at (617) 722-2356.
Federal/National Advocacy Resources
American Diabetes Association	The American Diabetes Association uses advocacy to improve the lives of people with diabetes. The association focuses on finding a cure for diabetes, improving health insurance coverage, and reducing school and workplace discrimination.
National Committee for Quality Assurance	This organization measures the quality of America's health care.
Agency for Healthcare Policy & Research	AHRQ, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the lead agency charged with supporting research designed to improve the quality of health care, reduce its cost, and broaden access to essential services.
U. S. Department of Health & Human Services	The Department of Health & Human Services is the United States government's principal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
Other Resources To Help You Advocate
Associated Grantmakers of Massachusetts	AGM is the regional association of grantmakers serving the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the premier organization in New England supporting nonprofits engaged in corporate and foundation fundraising. This dual focus, articulated in the Mission and Goals statements, uniquely positions AGM to bridge the gap between grantmakers and grantseekers, providing both communities with professional support and skill development opportunities, while elevating the impact of philanthropy.
The Non-Profit Zone	This volunteer- run and funded website provides links to information on to lobby & become actively involved in activities. They will research federal legislators working on topics of interest to you at no cost.
The Non-Profit Lobbying Guide, 2nd Edition - Bob Smucker	The Independent Sector has made this publication available. Download the sections of this book that are of interest to you and your advocacy efforts. Chapters include "Effective Communication" & "The Legislative Process".
How to be Heard: A Guide to Advocacy & Community Organizations	This on-line guide published by the Center for Community Change gives basic tips on advocacy skills such as choosing an issue and overcoming the obstacles.

"Sharing approaches...improving lives"

Welcome to Diabetes Advocacy:

Massachusetts Chronic Disease Improvement Network