WASHINGTON, DC — The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 30 million Americans are affected by diabetes and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In the African American population, studies show that we are disproportionately affected by diabetes in comparison to the general population. The rate of diagnosed diabetes among African Americans is 12.7 percent compared to 7.4 percent of whites.
Not only does the African American community face the dilemma of increased diabetes diagnoses, but also faces numerous health care challenges when trying to manage diabetes, such as— cost for treatments, medications, limited supplies and access to primary care to maintain a quality of life.
Eli Lilly and Company, a global leader in diabetes care, understands these gaps and burdens of costs in the African American community. They understand that there are gaps in health care for communities of color, and are working to help close it by reducing the cost of insulin and making sure that everyone will have equal access to their medicines.
For this reason, Eli Lilly has launched the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center and Helpline in the African American community to ensure people receive comprehensive treatment for diabetes. To spread the word about this effort, Lilly has been placing full-page advertisements in African American newspapers across the country.
The National Newspapers Publishers Association (NNPA), which represents black newspapers has been running advertisements in selected markets announcing the launch of the solutions center as an opportunity for African Americans to receive affordable diabetes medication. This is especially great news for African Americans who are disproportionately affected by diabetes and its effects.
This collaboration with the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center will help decrease the complications of diabetes by making sure that access to affordable insulin is available to improve the quality of life in the African American community.
If you or someone you know may need help paying for insulin or diabetes care, call the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center at 1-833-808-1234, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.