Oberlander Resolution on Diabetes Programs Earns House Approval

Joanne Bauer

Joanne Bauer

Published September 25, 2014 4:25 am
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Clarion Representative Donna OberlanderHARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania House unanimously adopted a resolution, authored by Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong), yesterday to direct the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive assessment of diabetes programs and diabetes-related planning within Commonwealth agencies.

“The reporting requirements made possible through final passage of House Resolution 936 will enable better collaboration and innovation among state agencies or departments with a vested interest in containing the reach of diabetes throughout the Commonwealth,” said Oberlander, who serves as majority chair of the Pennsylvania House Diabetes Caucus.

“The resolution also directs each of the specified departments and agencies to develop an individual plan of action to reduce the economic burden of diabetes within their respective programs.”

The Joint State Government Commission’s final report must be submitted to the majority and minority chairs of the PA House Diabetes Caucus and the House Human Services Committee no later than September 15, 2015, and by September 15 on a biennial basis thereafter.

According to further information contained in Oberlander’s resolution, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in Pennsylvania adults grew by 67 percent between 1995 and 2010. Approximately 991,000 Pennsylvanians over the age of 18 have been diagnosed with diabetes, and another 517,000 are likely to have undiagnosed diabetes.

An estimated 3.27 million Pennsylvanians are at risk of developing diabetes.

Overall, diabetes and diabetes-related complications is the seventh-leading cause of death in Pennsylvania. From an economic standpoint, diabetes will cost Pennsylvania taxpayers an estimated $14.7 billion in 2015, growing to an estimated $18.4 billion by the year 2025. However, statistics also show that with appropriate management and early identification, that diabetes-related economic costs can be significantly reduced.

“The purpose of conducting this study is to regularly assess, review and prioritize Pennsylvania’s statewide efforts to contain the reach, scope and cost of the diabetes epidemic and corresponding complications,” said Oberlander.

“Completion of both the report and the individual department/agency action plans will offer options and opportunities that legislators and policymakers can put into practice today to ensure the future health of our Commonwealth is no longer dictated by diabetes.”

For the latest legislative updates, visit RepOberlander.com or Facebook.com/RepOberlander.

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