Jim McDermott (Rep-WA-7)
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JDRF advocates meet with Representative Jim McDermott (WA-7) as a part of the Promise Campaign
JDRF advocates met with Representative Jim McDermott as a part of the Promise Campaign on August 31. There were 15 people in attendance, including 3 adults with type 1 diabetes, 6 parents and a nanny with 3 kids, and 2 JDRF staff: Kristin, Luke, and Anna Fitzpatrick, Nadine Heichel, Bonnie Rice, Sean Curran, Mike, Rose, and Kiki Boyle, Jen and Addison Strongnin, Jef Malpass, Randy Fode, Steve Schiro, and Emily Newman. Representative McDermott continues to be a strong supporter of JDRF and type 1 diabetes research, so this meeting focused on thanking him for his support during the Special Diabetes Program renewal last year and for his participation in asking the FDA to move quickly to provide guidance for outpatient trials of the artificial pancreas.
Representative McDermott was still unclear on continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and how the artificial pancreas would work, so the attendees that have CGMs were able to show him their devices and explain how they work and help with their management. The advocates mentioned that the low glucose insulin suspend technology is already approved and in use in Europe. The meeting was a great opportunity for ongoing education and engagement with Representative McDermott's office. All of the advocates in attendance are grateful for his continued support!