Diabetes Foundation to Offer Free Diabetes Emergency Kits for Vulnerable Population during COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic

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The Diabetes Foundation, New Jersey’s leading diabetic nonprofit organization, will be offering free Diabetes Backup Emergency Kits early next week for individuals with all types of diabetes in cooperation with local and regional partners.

“We are hoping these kits can provide some peace of mind for our most vulnerable participants during this time of uncertainty as many are confined to their homes,” said Ginine Cilenti, Executive Director of the Diabetes Foundation. “The kits give each person who receives them another two week’s supply of the daily items that are necessary for testing and management of low blood sugar. With the need for social distancing during this period, the kits allow those with diabetes the opportunity to avoid waiting in line at crowded pharmacies and other stores.”

The Diabetes Backup Emergency Kits are available for the more than 900,000 people currently living with all types of diabetes in the state of New Jersey. There will be three types of kits available: a Type 2/Gestational Supply kit, an Insulin Administration Supply Kit, and a Type 1 Supply Kit. The kits will consist of a variety of items such as a glucose meter, test strips, a lancing device, ketone strips, lancets, alcohol swabs, glucotabs, juice boxes, snacks, and a diabetes backup emergency kit checklist. Kits will be mailed to participants homes via UPS soon. For the Insulin Administration Supply Kit, a doctor’s prescription will be necessary.

The contents of the kits were made possible through the generosity of a number of the Foundation’s corporate partners, including BD, Novo Nordisk, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Arkray, Liss Pharmacy and Inserra ShopRite Supermarkets.

Those living with diabetes can use the application form located at www.diabetesfoundationinc.org or call the Diabetes Backup Emergency Kit hotline at 973-849-5234 for more information.

“I would like to express my utmost gratitude to our corporate partners in this effort,” said Cilenti. “Without the incredible help and generosity of our partners, these emergency kits would not be possible.”