Senate Passes Schaffer Bill Designating Ohio Diabetes Awareness-Heart Connection Week

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate this week unanimously passed Senate Bill 229, sponsored by State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster), designating the second week of November as Ohio Diabetes Awareness-Heart Connection Week. "Here in the Buckeye State, 1 in 9 adults live with diabetes, representing more than a million Ohioans,” Schaffer said. “According to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates, Ohio projects to spend nearly $16 billion annually on diabetes costs. It is important to recognize the strong connection between diabetes and cardiovascular disease.” Last year the Ohio Department of Health, 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. This action plan ultimately issued several recommendations including the creation of a diabetes awareness week. “I believe that by raising awareness of diabetes and related conditions like cardiovascular disease, we are showing our commitment to follow up on the Ohio Diabetes Action plan and creating a healthier Ohio” Schaffer added. Schaffer has a strong familiarity with diabetes and its complications, having worked for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) early in his career. During his tenure at ADA, Schaffer served as vice president of the Ohio Affiliate and represented the organization in public and government relations. Senate Bill 229 will now be sent to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration.