Governor Signs Schaffer Bill Creating "Ohio Diabetes Awareness-Heart Connection Week"

COLUMBUS—State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) announced that yesterday Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 42, which names the second week of November as “Ohio Diabetes Awareness-Heart Connection Week”. “The goal of this legislation is to save lives through awareness,” Schaffer said. “Diabetes is a deadly and debilitating disease that many Ohioans struggle with daily. I believe that by raising awareness to diabetes and related conditions like cardiovascular disease that we are showing our commitment to follow up on the Ohio Diabetes Action Plan and creating a healthier Ohio.” Last year, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Commission on Minority Health and Ohio Department of Administrative Services jointly issued the 2018 Ohio Diabetes Action Plan that was required by House Bill 216 from the 131st General Assembly. According to ODH, diabetes is the 7th leading cause of death in both Ohio and the United States with nearly one million Ohio adults diagnosed and an additional 300,000 not knowing they have it. For more information on diabetes and its impact on Ohio, visit odh.ohio.gov.