Abbott and the American Diabetes Association this week announced that Abbott has become the first anchor sponsor of the Health Equity Now platform. The platform addresses health disparities for people living with diabetes.
The sponsorship includes a three-year, $5 million commitment to support the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) advocacy and community-driven projects that are aimed at removing barriers to care and providing greater access to the latest medical technology and health resources for the underserved diabetes populations in the U.S.
“It’s important that people with diabetes in the U.S. have access to the latest innovations to effectively manage their condition and help them thrive,” ADA CEO Tracey Brown said in a news release. “It is time to tear down the systemic barriers that separate us based on zip code, income level, education, color and gender, and it’s time that we demand health equity now.”
According to the ADA, the risk of being diagnosed with diabetes is higher among Black Americans (77%), Latinos (66%) and Asian Americans (18%) when compared to white adults. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought more attention to health disparities in the U.S., with 50% of low-income Americans with diabetes having lost some or all income during the pandemic.
The ADA has created the Health Equity Bill of Rights to address the health inequities, which includes access to the latest medical advances. Abbott will support the organization’s advocacy to tear down the barriers that have limited access to high-quality medical technologies.
“No matter someone’s race, income level or background, quality care and life-changing technologies should be affordable and broadly accessible to all people living with diabetes,” Abbott’s senior VP of diabetes care Jared Watkin said. “Abbott is proud to support the ADA’s goal to work toward health equity and to advance access to the latest technologies for people with diabetes, helping them lead healthier, fuller lives with dignity.”
Through the partnership, Abbott will also drive sustained community engagement through local programs and initiatives to help improve diabetes-related health outcomes. The ADA will immediately begin to bring on experts and collaborate with underserved communities to develop program outreach models that include public health education, professional education and training, with other community services being rolled out next year.
