Breakthrough T1D has received a $50,000 Health Access Hero Award grant from Sun Life U.S. and DentaQuest to support its type 1 diabetes (T1D) early detection pilot program. The initiative is part of a collaboration with Touro University California's Mobile Diabetes Education Center (MOBEC), which delivers mobile health services in Northern California.
The Health Access Hero Awards are given annually to nonprofits and individuals who work to improve access to healthcare for underserved communities. This year’s funding will help Breakthrough T1D expand no-cost screening and education related to T1D, using simple blood tests that can identify the disease before insulin is needed.
Julianne Lally, Associate Director of Medical Affairs at Breakthrough T1D, explained the importance of early diagnosis: "Type 1 diabetes was once viewed as a condition that could only be diagnosed in childhood, but we now know it can develop at any age, regardless of family history," she said. "Early detection of type 1 diabetes can help reduce the risk of life-threatening complications at diagnosis and allow people time to access therapies, participate in crucial T1D clinical trials, and prepare for future medical needs. Breakthrough T1D is grateful to Sun Life and DentaQuest for their generous grant that will allow MOBEC, a trusted community partner and provider, to expand no-cost type 1 diabetes screening and education to those who might not otherwise have access."
Dr. Jay Shubrook from Touro University California highlighted how the partnership will benefit local residents: "We are very excited to provide expanded services to our community members through our partnership with Breakthrough T1D," he said. "With this new MOBEC service, made possible by Sun Life's and DentaQuest's Health Access Heroes Award grant, we can help people know whether they're at risk for type 1 diabetes well before they ever develop high blood sugar. This can have significant impact on how someone gets diagnosed and lives with type 1 diabetes."
Sun Life U.S. president David Healy emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment: "Sun Life and DentaQuest are committed to broadening access to care through philanthropic initiatives that can have large-scale impact at local levels," he said. "Every year, we receive hundreds of grant applications, and we want to thank all the unsung Heroes doing the hard work, day in and day out. Breakthrough T1D is bringing an important service to at risk communities by helping people identify and manage type 1 diabetes earlier so they can live fuller, healthier lives. Breakthrough T1D, thank you for the opportunity to help make your impact even stronger and move the needle toward equitable health access for all."
The Health Access Hero Awards provide grants for both organizations running health programs as well as individuals making significant contributions in their communities; individual recipients direct a $10,000 donation toward a charity of their choice. To date, more than $3.5 million has been distributed through these awards across over 130 honorees nationwide.
Breakthrough T1D focuses on research investment, advocacy efforts with government agencies regarding issues affecting those living with type 1 diabetes (formerly known as JDRF), as well as education programs aimed at empowering patients.
Additional details about this year’s awardees are available on the official website.