By Nykia Barton | Associate Manager - Donor Relations
The number of children diagnosed with diabetes (either type 1 or type 2) is still rising. Diabetes must be managed 24/7, and for children with diabetes, that includes time spent at school or school-sponsored activities. Younger/newly diagnosed students depend on the adults around them to monitor their blood sugar and administer insulin. To make schools and school-sponsored activities a safer environment, the American Diabetes Association created the Safe at School program. Concerned parents reach out to the ADA, who then connect them with local volunteer trainers. These Safe at School trainers educate teachers and school staff who may be coming in contact with the child on how to treat and recognize high/low blood glucose and how to administer emergency glucagon.
As schools begin to re-open, we anticipate concerns, questions, and challenges that may arise that parents, schools, the medical community, and the legal community will have to navigate together. The return to school in the midst or just following a global pandemic is largely unchartered territory, particularly for students with diabetes. Nevertheless, students with diabetes have legal rights, and these rights do not go away during a global pandemic.
Funds raised by Tour de Cure and the American Diabetes Association go towards advocacy, research, and education efforts. Without the support of our donors, the Safe at School program would not be possible. You can get involved by participating in our Pacific Northwest Tour de Cure, coming up on June 26th. Your support can make a difference in the lives of students living with diabetes and all people impacted by diabetes.
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