Dear Diabetes Advocate,

I am proud to report that through the leadership of Janel Wright, Chair of the National Advocacy Committee and Alaska resident, we have won a great victory to make school a safe – and a fair – place for Alaska students with diabetes. This achievement would not have been possible without the volunteers, parents, and staff in Alaska who worked in partnership with school nurses, the local diabetes and tribal health medical communities, the diabetes prevention program staff and other stakeholders. Many thanks to everyone involved for their tireless efforts in helping Alaska students with diabetes stay safe at school.

Safe at School principles now in place in Alaska include:

Students able to do so are allowed to self manage at school – YES! The Alaska Department of Education will include the Association’s policy on self management at school in their guidelines along with a link to our Safe at School resources and the National Diabetes Education Program school guide.

Trained non-medical school personnel are allowed to administer insulin – YES! Non-medical school personnel are now allowed to be trained by school nurses to administer insulin to help children who need it. 

Trained non-medical school personnel are allowed to administer glucagon – YES! Non-medical school personnel are now allowed to be trained by school nurses to administer life-saving glucagon in the event of an emergency.
 
Now, our students with diabetes have access to the care they need to survive – and to thrive! School employees who are properly trained can now assist children who need help, and kids who are able to do so can manage their diabetes at school. 

Thank you for your advocacy and for everything you do to Stop Diabetes®!

Sincerely,
Laura Keller
Alaska State Advocacy Director
American Diabetes Association