Diabetes Foundation Launches Emergency Diabetes Care Kit Initiative in Newark

Supported by a Major Gift from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey

The Diabetes Foundation (DF) is proud to announce the launch of a new Emergency Diabetes Care Kit initiative in Greater Newark, made possible through a major gift from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey. This targeted initiative will deliver 180 care kits to individuals living with diabetes in the Greater Newark area, ensuring access to critical supplies, education, and support.

The Diabetes Foundation Care Kits—distributed through trusted community partners, including food pantries, senior centers, and churches—include a glucometer, test strips, lancets, and alcohol swabs designed to support individuals experiencing low blood sugar/hypoglycemia. Each kit also contains educational materials in both English and Spanish, helping recipients understand how to monitor their glucose and take advantage of free resources offered by the Diabetes Foundation.

“Diabetes continues to be one of the most overlooked public health crises in New Jersey, particularly in underserved urban communities,” said Ginine Cilenti, Executive Director of the Diabetes Foundation. “This grant allows us to take meaningful action by placing life-saving tools directly into the hands of those who need them most. And even more, it reminds people that they are not alone—we’re here to help them manage their health safely and confidently.”

Each box is branded with the Diabetes Foundation logo and includes messaging from the Healthcare Foundation of New Jersey to acknowledge their role in supporting this essential work. Interns and volunteers will assist with packing the kits, which will be distributed to identified families through DF’s partner organizations starting later this month.

Cilenti added, “Through partnerships like this, we are expanding what health equity looks like—one care kit at a time.”