Federal Working Group
In 2021, T1International Chapter Advocates came together as a Federal Working Group to take action on the needs and concerns of people with diabetes at the US federal level. Together, these volunteer leaders from twelve states learn about federal-level actions that impact people with diabetes. They review and evaluate potential policy solutions for endorsement, and advocate for change. This advocacy includes holding meetings with policy-makers, getting media attention, and more. We recognize that none of these alone can achieve our vision, but together with state and global progress, we believe we can achieve insulin for all.
Contact
For questions, to connect with the T1International Federal Working Group, or to support this work, please email T1International’s Policy Manager, Shaina Kasper at skasper@T1International.com.
For more information about T1International, visit this page.
About T1International
T1International is a global type 1 diabetes advocacy organization led by people with type 1 diabetes for people with type 1 diabetes. T1International believes in a world where everyone with type 1 diabetes – no matter where they live – has everything they need to survive and achieve their dreams. The organization accepts no funding from pharmaceutical companies and provides advocacy training and support. In 2014 T1International launched the #insulin4all campaign, which has grown into a global movement.
Federal Working Group Members
Sa’Ra is a national type 1 diabetes patient advocate who has lived with type 1 diabetes since the age of 5. After rationing and sharing insulin with her sister who also lives with T1D, Sa’Ra became vocal about the need for the affordability of insulin. Since becoming an advocate, she has testified in front of the United States Committee on Oversight and Reform and, in 2021, met with the President of the United States, Joe Biden.
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Kristen Whitney Daniels (she/her) is the co-lead of the Federal Working Group and Chapter Leader of Connecticut #insulin4all. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2006. When not advocating with T1International she is the associate director of the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
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Barrett Ziegler (they/them) has lived with type 1 diabetes since high school. Personally and professionally, they've worked in legislative, regulatory, and compliance functions for non-profits, trade groups, and insurers. As part of T1International since 2023, they bring this passion for legislative advocacy to help promote patients' access to care through systemic change.
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Ty Beringer (he/him) is an insulin accessibility advocate who works with many communities on and offline. This includes serving on the T1International Federal Working Group and leading the Arkansas #insulin4all Chapter. As someone who lives in the southern United States, Ty is aware of how societal factors can directly impact a person's access to vital healthcare and drugs. Ty was diagnosed with T1D in 1996, the same year Humalog was introduced at just $20 per vial.
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Kathryn Nagel (she/her) has been a member of T1International since 2019, initially serving as policy lead in Connecticut's Chapter before moving to Massachusetts. She has lived with type 1 diabetes since 1991 and is currently working as an endocrinologist in Boston.
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Tracy Ramey's daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2018. Since that day she has been aware of the disparities in healthcare and lack of knowledge surrounding type 1 diabetes. She has been the Communities of Color Outreach Lead for the Ohio #insulin4all since the summer of 2020.
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Chewey Lam is a member of the CA Chapter and resides in San Francisco, California. He has lived with T1D for 22 years and Diabetes a total of 24 years. An avid runner/racewalker marathoner with over 570 races since Oct 2016 for Diabetes Migraine, Pancreatic Cancer, and #insulin4all Awareness.
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John Tagliareni currently serves as the Legislative Lead for the Iowa Chapter. John has lived with Type 1 diabetes since 1994 and lives in Iowa.
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Nicole is the Ambassador for T1International. Nicole has participated in numerous public events, lead rallies, and worked at the state level to create and pass the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act in Minnesota.
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Kevin Wren (he/him) was formerly the CA Chapter Leader, in addition to starting and leading the WA #insulin4all Chapter. He was diagnosed with diabetes in 2001 and is the child and grandchild of people with diabetes.
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Taylor was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2015. She served as the New York #insulin4all Chapter Leader from November 2021 until August 2023, while studying nursing at NYU. During that time, she was Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's guest to the 2023 State of the Union! She now is a nurse at Boston Children's Hospital living in Massachusetts.
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Mindy has lived with Type 1 diabetes for 30 years. After being forced to ration insulin, she became an advocate for insulin affordability and healthcare reform. Mindy serves as the West Virginia Chapter Leader. In 2021, Mindy was invited to speak at the US House Oversight Committee on capping insulin costs. Following this, she was invited to the 2022 State of the Union Address.
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Stephanie has had type 1 diabetes for 36 years. She is married to a type 1 diabetic and is the parent of a child with diabetes as well. These experiences as both patient and caregiver moved Stephanie to take action by advocating to improve the lives of others in the wider diabetes community.
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