ALEXANDRIA, VA -- 11/17/08 --
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is
extremely disappointed with the recent California Superior Court ruling
striking down a provision of an agreement between the ADA and the
California Department of Education that would ensure students with diabetes
are safe at school and during school activities.
The provision at issue allowed for trained non-licensed school personnel in
California to administer insulin when a nurse was not available. The
American Nurses Association (ANA) and several California nurse groups
brought suit seeking to prevent this care from taking place, despite the
severe shortage of nurses in the state. The ANA position is at odds with
that of the health care professionals who have devoted their lives to
caring for children with diabetes and the families who love them. These
groups agree that non-medical school personnel can -- and should -- be
trained to safely administer insulin at school when a nurse is not present.
The decision by the court is not in the best interests of children with
diabetes and the American Diabetes Association will continue to work until
children with diabetes in California and throughout our country are safe at
school.
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly
consequences of diabetes 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. Information from both these
sources is available in English and Spanish.
Contact:
Shana Starkand
(703) 549-1500, ext. 2622
sstarkand@diabetes.org
