Congresswoman Waters introduces bills to help improve outcomes diabetes and Alzheimer’s

(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Maxine Waters, CA-43, Ranking Member of the Committee on Financial Services, introduced two bills last week to improve the outcomes of two chronic diseases that disproportionately affect African American families across the country.She introduced the Minority Diabetes Initiative Act, H.R. 10193, Nov. 21 in honor of National Diabetes Month, which is celebrated in November. This bill will establish an initiative to provide grants to community-based organizations and other public and nonprofit health care providers for diabetes prevention, care and treatment programs in minority communities, which are disproportionately impacted by diabetes. The bill is cosponsored by 21 of the congresswoman’s congressional colleagues and endorsed by the American Diabetes Association.Related Stories The act will provide grants for a variety of diabetes-related health services, including public education on diabetes prevention and control, routine health care for diabetic patients, eye care, foot care and treatment for kidney disease and other complications of diabetes.“Diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is having a severe impact on minority communities,” Waters said.Diabetes diagnoses affects 12.1% of African American, 13.6% of American Indians/Alaskan Native, 11.7% of Hispanic, 9.1% of Asian American and...