TZG Achieves Passage of Bill to Increase Awareness of Type I Diabetes in Schools
On behalf of our client, Sanofi, TZG worked to achieve passage of A-4148/S-3057 which requires the NJ Department of Health to develop informational materials on Type 1 diabetes. The NJ Department of Education, in conjunction with the NJ Department of Health, will distribute the information to parents and guardians of enrolled students. The bill aims to spread awareness of the risks and signs related to developing Type 1 diabetes among children in the state. The legislation was sponsored by Senator Angela McKnight (D-31) and Assemblywoman Pamela Lampitt (D-6).
TZG helped to organize several stakeholders who testified in support of this bill including the Diabetes Foundation and the Diabetes Leadership Council. In their testimony members from both groups, which included parents of school-age children with the chronic condition, identified and described the need for this bill and the impact of Type 1 diabetes on their children and their families. They also discussed the importance of identifying Type 1 diabetes early to ensure the long-term health of children who develop the disease. Chief Policy Officer of the Diabetes Leadership Council Erika Emerson stated, “Increasing awareness of Type 1 diabetes and its stages can mitigate the impact of acute and long-term complications of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which is too often present at the time of diagnosis.” DKA is a serious complication of diabetes that can be life-threatening and develops when an individual does not have enough insulin to allow blood sugar into cells for use as energy.
Senator Angela McKnight, the prime sponsor of the Senate bill, shared her own family’s personal story of how her eldest child was diagnosed and lives with Type 1 diabetes every day. This video link from the NJ Senate Democrats describes the importance and impact the bill it will have on the community… please click here.
This legislation was signed into law by Governor Murphy on December 12, 2024.
About The Zita Group
The Zita Group is a woman-owned government and public affairs firm, both founded and led by Patrizia “Trish” Zita. Our bipartisan, experienced team of strategic consultants is widely respected by elected, appointed and government officials of both parties across New Jersey’s political landscape. We provide our clients unique insights into the decision-making process at the highest levels. We bring to bear credible working relationships with executive branch officials, legislators, and staff. Our team’s effectiveness has been demonstrated again and again by the results we achieve for our clients.
