October 28, 2019
Since launching in March 2019, thousands of people from across Canada have been rallying behind the Access for All campaign and demanding affordable and accessible coverage of advanced glucose monitors.
In just seven months, you have made incredible progress! Here’s a roundup of what you’ve helped accomplish:
Device Coverage Wins
The Governments of Ontario and Quebec announced coverage of flash glucose monitors (FGMs) – a great step toward complete access to affordable technologies. Advocacy efforts are continuing to build off of this momentum by asking for continuous glucose monitor (CGM) coverage, as well as coverage of these devices in other provinces and territories.
Discussions with elected officials
Over 200 supporters, including researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry partners, discussed innovations and breakthrough technologies directly with elected officials at 5 Community Forums throughout Ontario.
T1D advocates along with JDRF advocacy team members have undertaken over 20 key meetings with elected officials and senior policy makers, including the Minister of Health and Executive Director of Policy in the Ontario Premier’s office. The goal of these meetings was to educate decision makers about the health, economic, and quality of life benefits of funding CGMs in Ontario. As a result, we were able to raise awareness of this issue amongst key decision makers and have been met with great support and enthusiasm.
What’s next?
In the last seven months there have been over 700 online actions taken, and over 2,000 signatures on the petition in support of the Access for All campaign (WOW!) to encourage funding for advanced glucose monitoring technologies, which will be presented when the House of Commons returns.
But this campaign is just getting started and there is so much left to accomplish! With the federal election wrapping up just last week, now is the best time to tell your newly elected MP why they should support affordable access to devices, or remind your re-elected MP how they can fight for your interests – meet, write, call your MP today and help us get #AccessForAll.
