Blog
T1International Statement on Appointments by President-elect Biden
9 Dec 2020, 5:05 p.m. in #insulin4all USA, News & Statements by T1International
On November 16, it was first reported that President-elect Biden will appoint Steve Ricchetti as one of his counselors in the White House. We are disappointed that the President-elect would choose a former lobbyist for Eli Lilly and Sanofi to serve in such a senior post in his administration. Read more
Advocates in Canada Fight for Free Access for Insulin’s 100th Anniversary
3 Dec 2020, 6:11 p.m. in Global Stories by Michelle Reiterer
Canada is the home of insulin. It was invented here and even features on our $100 bill. And yet, 100 years later, there is no Canada-wide coverage for insulin. Our Chapter's current campaign is called #freeinsulin100. Our goal is to ensure the passage of federal legislation implementing a national pharmacare program by the end of 2021, which would include all Provinces and Territories providing insulin free of charge for all people who require it by the end of 2021. Currently Canada stands alone as the only country in the world with a national public healthcare system that does not also cover required prescription medication.
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Creativity and Activism: Another World is Possible
30 Nov 2020, 9:38 a.m. in #insulin4all USA, Global Stories by Marina Tsaplina
Here are five reasons - showcasing #insuiln4all and other social change movements around the world - why joining art, creativity and activism together is so powerful. It fosters self-expression, community building, activation, it is inspiring and attention grabbing, and it leads activists to better engage with the media. Read more
T1International, Minnesota #insulin4all, and Partners Submit Amicus Brief for Alec Smith Bill
6 Nov 2020, 8:22 p.m. in #insulin4all USA, News & Statements by T1International
There is an insulin rationing crisis in the United States, driven by the high price of this life-saving medication. Research indicates that one-quarter of people with diabetes have to ration their insulin because of the cost, and rationing puts patients at greater risk of health complications, including death. In Minnesota, advocates responded to the deaths of Alec Raeshawn Smith and Jesimya David Scherer-Radcliff by fighting to pass the Alec Smith Insulin Affordability Act, which was the first in the nation to establish a program for patients with diabetes to purchase the insulin they need at an affordable price. After years of work, this bill was signed into law by Governor Tim Walz on April 15, 2020. Read more
What is the Price? - ¿Cuál es el Precio?
30 Oct 2020, 3:03 p.m. in #insulin4all USA by Soli Leal
I wrote this piece for an AP Spanish assignment, but it took me on a deeper journey than I expected. I learned not just about the price of insulin but also how it affects people’s decision making, their accessibility taking priority over general wellbeing. In honor of National Hispanic Heritage month, I wanted to share this in English and Spanish, to give the Hispanic community, especially here in the USA, the representation they well deserve. Read more
There Is No Insulin in Iran
27 Oct 2020, 6:11 p.m. in Global Stories, News & Statements by Mahsa
Shortages of insulin are not something new in Iran, but recently there is no insulin at all. We were shocked by responses from our politicians who said, "The shortage is just for pens and we have plenty of internal production of insulin. People can replace it." However, the types of insulin that are produced in Iran are NPH and R. Few consumers in Iran use NPH. About 70 percent of Iranian people with diabetes use insulin pens. Read more
T1International Statement on Lawsuit to Overturn the Affordable Care Act
20 Oct 2020, 8:24 p.m. in #insulin4all USA, News & Statements by T1International
On November 10, the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in California v. Texas, a case that could invalidate the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since it was signed into law in 2010, the ACA has provided critical protections to the diabetes community in the United States. Now, a group of 18 states led by Texas are arguing that a single change to the law passed as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has rendered the entire law unconstitutional, even though there is no evidence that this was an outcome Congress intended at the time. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Texas, the entire ACA could be ruled unconstitutional. Read more
James Elliott's Reflections on His Time as a Trustee
8 Oct 2020, 3:21 p.m. in News & Statements by James Elliott
T1International would not be where it is today without his dedication and commitment to the cause. We could not be more grateful for his contributions and his voice, which we know he will continue to use to shout loudly for and with people with diabetes everywhere. Read more
Representing Latin America’s Insulin Access Needs at the World Health Organization Workshop
28 Sep 2020, 4:55 p.m. in Global Stories by Daniela Rojas
I felt empowered that the voices of those of us living with type 1 diabetes were respectfully listened and taken into account by the WHO. As noted: Patients have power. Being able to represent my country made those words feel real, and it had tremendous value for me. Read more
California’s SB852 Shows How States Can Use Their Power to Challenge Big Pharma
17 Sep 2020, 6:44 p.m. in #insulin4all USA by Lauren Figg
In a significant challenge to pharmaceutical companies, California passed SB852 in the State Assembly with overwhelming support (66-7) on August 31. The bill would allow the state to contract for or manufacture its own generic or biosimilar prescription drugs, and specifically names insulin in response to the demands of diabetes advocates searching for long-term solutions to the insulin price crisis. Read more