Jacob Hudson
Nearly 200 American Diabetes Association volunteer advocates from across the nation will join together in Washington, D.C. on March 11-13 for the Association’s premier national advocacy event, Call to Congress. During this time, Jacob Hudson, a diabetes advocate from Fairfax and a Mariemont High school freshman, will meet with his Members of Congress asking them to make diabetes a national priority and support efforts to Stop Diabetes here in Cincinnati.
Attendees include children and adults with type 1 and type 2 Diabetes, family members of individuals living with diabetes, researchers and health care professionals. All participants are deeply committed to diabetes advocacy efforts at the local, state and federal levels. Jacob Hudson is a type 1 who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 13, this is his first time participating in Call to Congress.
“I’m really excited about talking to Congress about funding and making diabetes a top priority,” said Jacob. “I feel this is such an honor, considering I think only nine kids got selected from across the country. I hope to make a difference.”
During scheduled meetings with Members of Congress, Hudson and the other diabetes advocates will urge members to make a strong federal investment in the Fiscal Year 2016 Labor Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations bill. Specifically, advocates will ask the members to allocate funding for programs grounded in research and dedicated to fighting the nation’s diabetes epidemic.
“Call to Congress brings diabetes advocates from across the country together in the movement to Stop Diabetes and provides them with the opportunity to tell our federal government how important it is to fight this deadly epidemic,” said Janel Wright, JD, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association. “As diabetes takes a physical and financial toll on this country, federal funding is critical in our nation’s response to this epidemic. Congress must provide leadership and invest in research and prevention programs that will ultimately Stop Diabetes.”
With nearly 30 million Americans living with diabetes, and another 86 million with pre diabetes, this disease affects every community across the nation. During Call to Congress, Diabetes Advocates will share their story with Members of Congress to put a name and a face to this epidemic and urge the members to join the Congressional Diabetes Caucuses. The Senate and House Diabetes Caucuses educate Members about diabetes and support legislation that improves diabetes research, prevention, education and treatment.
Jacob volunteers across the region at American Diabetes Association booths at Nascar races and other events. He’s an advocate who helps people who are newly and pre diagnosed. He also has two walk fundraising teams – Jacob’s Warrior Walkers and Jacob’s Justice League. And he’s a member of Type One Teens, which was founded by fellow Mariemont High School student Hadley George.
While in Washington, D.C., in addition to meeting with Members of Congress, Jacob will participate in a series of trainings with other Call to Congress participants that will help enhance advocacy efforts back home in their local communities.
Click here for more information about Call to Congress.
About The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org.