NIHB schedules briefing on Special Diabetes Program for Indians

Tuesday, December 3, 2013  

The National Indian Health Board will host a briefing on the Special Diabetes Program for Indians on Capitol Hill on Thursday.

Congress created the program in 1997 to address high rates of diabetes in Indian Country. The Indian Health Service has reported measurable gains in preventing and treating the disease as a result of $150 million in yearly grants.

The program is due to expire in September 2014. Tribes have sought to extend it for longer periods and to increase the amount of the grants.

"The SDPI is making a tremendous difference in the health of American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs), who are burdened disproportionately with type 2 diabetes at a rate of 2.8 times the national average," NIHB said in an advisory.

The briefing takes place at 10am in Room 2218 of the Rayburn House Office Building.

Congress extends Special Diabetes Program for another year (1/2)