Diabetes Advocacy Day to be held Monday at Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks, co-chair of the Legislative Diabetes Caucus, is inviting Oklahomans living with diabetes, their families, and all who are concerned about this disease to come to the state Capitol on Monday, April 8 for Diabetes Advocacy Day. The event is aimed at raising awareness about diabetes in Oklahoma and its impact on individuals and communities throughout the state.

“I really didn’t know that much about diabetes until my son was diagnosed, but since then, I’ve learned it is an epidemic in Oklahoma and nationwide,” said Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. “Over 34 million Americans have diabetes, and Oklahoma has experienced the highest increase in the disease in the nation. Twelve percent of our citizens, about 356,000 Oklahomans, have been diagnosed with diabetes, and over a million more have prediabetes – that’s about 35 percent of our state’s population. Monday’s event is an opportunity for those impacted by this disease to hear from experts, learn about services and products to help people better manage their health, and advocate to lawmakers.”

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with over 25 vendors providing important information and resources about diabetes management and support, with remarks from experts in the House Chamber from 11 a.m. until noon. 

Hicks said support for research, affordable medication and better access to health care is essential for improving health outcomes throughout Oklahoma.

“Diabetes costs our state about $3.8 billion a year, and the human toll is horrific. Complications include heart disease, stroke, amputation, end-stage kidney disease, blindness, and death,” Hicks said. “Advocacy and awareness are critical as we work to pass and enact policies that will make a positive difference. I urge all who are impacted by this disease to make plans to join us for Diabetes Advocacy Day.”

-END-

For more information, contact:  Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov.