Diabetes Advocacy Alliance Welcomes Congressman Reed as New Co-chair of Congressional Diabetes Caucus

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Diabetes Advocacy Alliance (DAA) welcomes Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) as the new Co-chair of the Congressional Diabetes Caucus. Congressman Reed has served as the Caucus' Vice Chair for the past five years and has been a tireless advocate for people with diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease. The diabetes community can think of no better champion to lead the Diabetes Caucus alongside Congresswoman Diana DeGette (D-CO).

"Since Congressman Reed came to Congress he has dedicated himself to improving the lives of people with diabetes and those at risk of developing the disease. The diabetes community has benefited tremendously from Congressman Reed's energy and his commitment to diabetes issues," said DAA Co-chair Mary Pat Raimondi, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. "We look forward to working together to advance issues important to all Americans affected by this devastating disease."

Congressman Reed takes over as Co-chair from Congressman Ed Whitfield (R-KY), who is retiring at the end of the current session of Congress.  Congressman Whitfield has served as Caucus Co-chair for five years and provided tremendous leadership on numerous diabetes issues. "Congressman Whitfield leaves big shoes to fill. We extend our sincere thanks to him and wish him well in his life post-Congress," said DAA Co-chair Tricia Brooks, Novo Nordisk Inc.

"In recent years, the Congressional Diabetes Caucus has grown to be the largest caucus in Congress with over 350 members in the 114^th Congress and we have Congressman Reed to thank for that growth," said DAA Co-chair Henry Rodriguez, MD, Pediatric Endocrine Society.  "Congressman Reed is always urging his colleagues in the House to step up and commit to making a difference in the lives of people with diabetes." The Congressional Diabetes Caucus was established in 1996 and its mission is to educate Members of Congress and their staff about diabetes and to support legislative activities that would improve diabetes research, education and treatment.

The DAA is a coalition of 20 diverse members, representing patient, professional and trade associations, other nonprofit organizations, and corporations, all united by the common goal to defeat diabetes. Members of the DAA currently include the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Diabetes Educators, American Clinical Laboratory Association, American Diabetes Association, American Medical Association, American Optometric Association, American Podiatric Medical Association, Endocrine Society, Healthcare Leadership Council, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Association of Chronic Disease Directors, National Community Pharmacists Association, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk Inc., Omada Health, Pediatric Endocrine Society, VSP Vision Care, and YMCA of the USA.

For more information visit the DAA website at www.diabetesadvocacyalliance.org

SOURCE Diabetes Advocacy Alliance

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http://www.diabetesadvocacyalliance.org