Diabetes Day at the Capitol

February 27, 2007

Hello Everyone! I hope everyone is doing well, and checking their blood sugars regularly. Today I went to our State Capitol in Frankfort, KY to participate in our Diabetes Day at the Capitol. Diabetes Day at the Capitol is an event that brings over 100 people to the State Capitol to talk with their legislators about any bills that are trying to get passed, or just simply to tell their story to their legislator. Usually they would rather want to hear your story instead of what you are supposed to talk them about.

Starting in the morning, we were in a Committee Room where we talked about what we were going to do that day such as the main topic of the Diabetes Day at the Capitol, what to talk to your senators/representatives about, and the agenda for the day. After we did that, we all moved to the Rotunda of the Capitol Building. There were lots of chairs all surrounding the pulpit at the front of the Rotunda. First, we had the president of the KDN (Kentucky Diabetes Network), Larry Steele speak, then Vice Chair Elect of the Board of ADA, Stewart Perry, following with me introducing Chief of Staff to Governor Ernie Fletcher, Stan Cave, then Stan Cave, along with Secretary of Health Mark Birdwhistell, and the Speaker of the House, Jody Richards. This was a great even that we had in the Rotunda, and I am glad that it all went smoothly.

After the session ended in the Rotunda, we were released and sent to go talk to our legislators. They didn’t have set the meetings up for you; you were just supposed to do it on your own. So I did that, and I met with two Representatives, and Secretary of Health, Mark Birdwhistell. The Secretary is a great man, and he is really concerned about the lives of others with health issues, specifically diabetes. I am glad that we have a man like him in our government.

After looking back on the day, it went great. We had a record number of people there, 128, and I am positively reassured that everyone got to their Senator/Representative. Thank you everyone!!

Remember become an advocate!!

I'd like to hear from you! Email me at nya@diabetes.org.

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