Diabetes Disaster Response

Managing diabetes is challenging enough on a day-to-day basis. In an emergency, having access to needed medical care and supplies can be a matter of life and death. We and our partners in the award-winning Diabetes Disaster Response Coalition (formerly the Diabetes Emergency Relief Coalition) are committed to delivering life-saving medical care and supplies to areas affected by disasters.

Are you concerned about winter storms affecting your access to diabetes supplies?

Contact us for assistance:

• Do you have diabetes or are you caring for someone with diabetes? Learn how to protect yourself and your family during an emergency. 1-800-DIABETES (800.342.2383) is available to support people with diabetes and their loved ones.
• Physicians and health care providers can call our 1-314-INSULIN hotline to report diabetes supply shortages and request support. 

Follow the Coalition on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates.

We need Society members to help staff our insulin supply hotline, provide clinical assistance via Skype, or help deliver and coordinate supplies on the ground in the event of an emergency. Contact [email protected] for more information on volunteer opportunities.

Resources

Downloadable Resources

• DDRC Preparedness Plan
• DDRC Preparedness Checklist
• Disaster Relief Pocket Guide from Hormone Health Network
• Emergency Insulin Switching Document
  • English
  • Spanish

  Local Shelters

  A live map of open shelters from the American Red Cross can be found here. You can also contact the American Red Cross directly at 1-800-733-2767.

  Local Pharmacies

  A list of open pharmacies in the area can be found here.

  Health and Human Services Distress Line

  If you are in the continental U.S. or Puerto Rico, contact your local Health and Human Services at 211 for assistance or the HHS Disaster Distress Line at 1-800-985-5990

  Federal Resources

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources and tips.
  • Centers for Disease Control & Prevention resources (CDC) can be found here including the National Diabetes Education Program Disaster Preparedness Plan.
  • Information on Medical Devices and Hurricane Emergencies from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes:
    • Tips about Medical Devices and Hurricane Disasters
    • Medical Devices Requiring Refrigeration
    • Medical Devices that Have Been Exposed to Heat and Humidity

  Donations

  If you would like to donate diabetes supplies, we are partnering with Insulin for Life to ship necessary items to areas impacted by disasters. Get information on what is needed and how to donate. To donate blood or platelets, please visit the American Red Cross' website for a list of nationwide locations.

  Other Resources

  The Hormone Health Network offers a list of supplies to keep in your emergency kit and other resources.

  Coalition Members

  • American Diabetes Association (ADA)*
  • JDRF*
  • Insulin for Life USA*
  • Endocrine Society
  • T1D Exchange
  • Research!America
  • American Association of Diabetes Educators
  • American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

  Our partners include The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, Lilly Diabetes, Insulet, Sanofi, and many more.

  *Founding member