American Diabetes Association Announces New National Strategic Partner - VSP®Vision Care

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Related Links: Archived Press Releases Annual Scientific Sessions Contact: Christine Feheley 703-253-4374 cfeheley@diabetes.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALEXANDRIA, VA (April 17, 2008) – The American Diabetes Association (ADA) today announced that VSP® Vision Care has signed on to become a three year National Strategic Partner.

“The ADA is delighted to have VSP join us in helping to further our mission to educate people with diabetes about the importance of regular eye care,” said R. Stewart Perry, Chair of the Board, American Diabetes Association.

As a National Strategic Partner, VSP will support the following ADA programs and initiatives:

• Winning at Work - Provides resources employees need to live healthier lives whether they are working to prevent diabetes or to manage diabetes if they have already been diagnosed.
• Diabetes EXPOs - Allows one stop shopping for everything related to diabetes, healthy eating and active living.
• Feria de Salud - Reach thousands of local Latinos/Hispanics at an outdoor community event with the important message that they may be at risk for diabetes.
• Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes - Raises funds to help find a cure for diabetes by walking a few miles.
• “Ask the Eye Doctor” On-line Chat Series - Offers opportunity for users to ask professionals questions in real time.

“Our sponsorship with the ADA is a natural evolution for VSP Vision Care.  In addition to serious eye conditions, comprehensive eye exams can detect signs of chronic diseases, including diabetes,” said Jim Short, O.D., VSP Board Chairman.  “This collaboration with the ADA is key to educating Americans about the value of regular eye care in managing diabetes.”

Nearly 21 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes, a disease characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels that result from defects in the body's ability to produce and/or use insulin.  Another 54 million Americans are estimated to be at high risk for developing this disease.  Diabetes can lead to severely debilitating or fatal complications, such as heart disease, blindness, kidney disease, and amputations. 

 

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The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading voluntary health organization supporting diabetes research, information, and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the Association has offices in every region of the country, providing services to hundreds of communities. To obtain a copy of the diabetes risk test or for more information about diabetes (in English or Spanish), please visit www.diabetes.org or call 800-DIABETES (800-342-2383).