Washington, D.C. [Jan 25, 2010] – U.S. Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) today announced U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants totaling $553,216 for two Minnesota American Indian communities and the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis. Sen. Franken sits on the Indian Affairs Committee.
The Special Diabetes Program for American Indians establishes community-directed programs that incorporate a wide range of proven diabetes treatment and prevention strategies, such as patient education, quality diabetes care services, as well as physical fitness, nutrition, and weight loss activities.
“The severity of the diabetes epidemic in the Native American community cannot be overstated,” said Sen. Franken. “The death rate from diabetes for American Indians is three times higher than that of the general public and it is crucial that we address this issue. These programs are the best defense against diabetes and they will save lives.”
The grants from the HHS’s Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention will go to the following:
- The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe will receive $244,460
- The Lower Sioux Community will receive $67,450
- The Indian Health Board of Minneapolis will receive $241,306
