Senator Franken Announces Federal Grants For Special Diabetes Programs For American Indians

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) today announced U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants totaling $472,980 for two Minnesota American Indian communities. Sen. Franken sits on the Indian Affairs Committee.

The grants from the HHS’s Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention will go to the following:
·       The Fond Du Lac Band in Cloquet will receive $429,900
·       The Upper Sioux Community in Granite Falls will receive $43,080

The Special Diabetes Program for American Indians establishes community-directed programs that incorporate a wide range of proven diabetes treatment and prevention strategies, such as patient education, quality diabetes care services, as well as physical, nutrition, and weight loss activities.

“There are 3.3 million American Indians and Alaskan Natives with diabetes in America today,” said Senator Franken. “The death rate from diabetes for American Indians is three times higher than that of the general public and it is crucial that we address this issue. These programs are the best defense against diabetes and will save lives.”

Sens. Franken and Richard Lugar (D-Ind.) have introduced an amendment to the Patient Protection and Affordability Act that will reduce the number of new diabetes cases in the United States by targeting pre-diabetes with community based intervention programs.