Washington, DC - Congressman Ed Towns (D-Brooklyn) announced his support today for H.R. 2553, the Minority Diabetes Initiative Act, which would provide grants to physicians, community-based organizations and other health care providers for diabetes care and treatment programs in minority communities.  Towns is an original cosponsor of the bill.

"As a diabetic myself, I know how important it is to get proper care for this disease," said Congressman Towns.  Unfortunately, many people in the minority community with diabetes often lack access to health care and do not receive the proper treatment.  Consequently, they are more likely to suffer complications from this disease.  

Among people with diabetes, African Americans are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes-related blindness and twice as likely to undergo lower limb amputations.  Amputation rates among Native Americans are 3 to 4 times higher than the general population, and Mexican Americans are 4 to 7 times more likely to suffer from kidney failure than other diabetes patients.

"By providing grants for a variety of diabetes-related health services, I am hopeful that we can narrow the gap in the treatment minorities and non-minorities are receiving," said Towns.  "As the statistics show, it is critical to get proper care."

Under the bill, health providers receiving grants would be required to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services and conduct outreach activities to let eligible individuals know that services are available.  

The bill has been referred to the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee.  As the senior member of the Health Subcommittee, Towns said that he would be working with other committee members to have the legislation considered soon.  

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