Dear [Decision Maker],

As your constituent and a Breakthrough T1D Advocate, I'm writing to ask for your support of the Strengthening Collective Resources for Encouraging Education Needed (SCREEN) for Type 1 Diabetes Act of 2024. (S.4504 and H.R.8698, respectively.)

This bipartisan, bicameral bill was introduced by Sens. Shaheen (D-NH) and Collins (R-ME), and Reps. Schrier (D-WA) and Joyce (R-PA), and Reps. DeGette (D-CO) and Bilirakis (R-FL) are original co-sponsors. This legislation would improve early detection and screening for type 1 diabetes (T1D) -- a key mission priority of Breakthrough T1D.

Thanks to research funded by Breakthrough T1D and the Special Diabetes Program (SDP), the benefits of screening are well-documented.

Specifically, screening:
~ Significantly reduces the risk for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) at diagnosis;
~ Identifies people who may benefit from early-intervention clinical trials to delay or prevent T1D;
~ Identifies individuals who may be eligible for Tzield, the first and only FDA-approved therapy to delay a clinical diagnosis of stage 3 T1D and the need for insulin;
~ Provides individuals and families with the time to prepare and educate themselves on T1D management.

This legislation will:
~ Conduct a national campaign to increase the public's awareness of the signs and symptoms of T1D, and the importance of early detection and screening;
~ Require the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to consult with the National Academy of Medicine, healthcare provider associations, community health worker associations, non-profits, state, local, and tribal health departments, schools, and universities to solicit advice on evidence-based information to use in the campaign;
~ Direct the CDC to award grants to one or more non-profit entities with histories of carrying out similar public awareness campaigns.

The SCREEN for Type 1 Diabetes Act of 2024 is a critical first step to screening and early detection of type 1 diabetes. This legislation will allow more Americans to reap the benefits of early detection and avoid the complications that too many face at diagnosis.

Thank you for your consideration of this legislation.