Diabetes Disaster Response

Managing diabetes is challenging enough on a day-to-day basis. In an emergency, access to needed medical care and supplies can be a matter of life and death.

We and our partners in the award-winning Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (DDRC) are committed to delivering life-saving medical care and supplies to areas affected by disasters.

Are you concerned about hurricanes affecting your access to diabetes supplies?

Contact us for assistance:

• Do you have diabetes or are you caring for someone with diabetes? Learn how to protect yourself and your family during an emergency. 1-800-DIABETES (800.342.2383) is available to support people with diabetes and their loved ones.
• Physicians and health care providers can call our 1-314-INSULIN hotline to report diabetes supply shortages and request support. 

Follow the Coalition on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

We need Society members to help staff our insulin supply hotline, provide clinical assistance via Skype, or help deliver and coordinate supplies on the ground in the event of an emergency. Contact advocacy@endocrine.org for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Resources

• Diabetes Disaster Relief Pocket Guide
• DDRC Preparedness Plan
• DDRC Preparedness Checklist
  
Emergency Insulin Switching Document
• English
• Spanish

• Local Shelters: Browse a live map of open shelters from the American Red Cross. Contact the American Red Cross directly at 1-800-733-2767.
• Local Pharmacies: Access a list of open pharmacies in your region.
• Health and Human Services Distress Line: If you are in the continental US or Puerto Rico, contact your local Health and Human Services at 211 for assistance or the HHS Disaster Distress Line at 1-800-985-5990

Federal Resources

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources and tips
• Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) resources
• CDC National Diabetes Education Program Disaster Preparedness Plan
• US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Medical Devices and Hurricane Emergencies:
  • Tips about Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters
  • Medical Devices Requiring Refrigeration
  • Medical Devices that Have Been Exposed to Heat and Humidity

Donations

If you would like to donate diabetes supplies, we are partnering with Insulin for Life to ship necessary items to areas impacted by disasters. To donate blood or platelets, please visit the American Red Cross for a list of nationwide locations.

Coalition Members

• American Diabetes Association (ADA)*
• JDRF*
• Insulin for Life USA*
• Endocrine Society
• T1D Exchange
• Research!America
• American Association of Diabetes Educators
• American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

Our partners include The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Lilly Diabetes, Insulet, Sanofi, and many more.