A vision for Canadians with diabetes to live to their full potential
OTTAWA, April 7, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA)
released the Diabetes Charter for Canada (Charter) across the country,
today, on World Health Day. The Charter aims to empower Canadians with
diabetes and their caregivers, while also providing governments with a
standard of care to ensure there is comparable support for people
living with diabetes across the country.
"The need for the Diabetes Charter for Canada has never been more clear.
Diabetes is a public health issue of epidemic proportion—more than nine
million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes. They should
have the opportunity to access the care and support they need to live
the healthiest lives possible," says Canadian Diabetes Association
President and CEO J. Richard Blickstead.
"Across Canada, people living with diabetes frequently experience
stigma, a lack of public awareness, and misunderstanding about the
disease. This is particularly important for those populations with a
high prevalence of diabetes or who have special challenges related to
diabetes management. These include specific ethnocultural populations
and especially Aboriginal peoples, people with low incomes, the
elderly, and young people," states Blickstead.
"The Government of Canada is pleased to be working with the Canadian
Diabetes Association and promotes collaboration across all sectors to
address the risk factors that lead to diabetes, by promoting things
like healthy eating, and physical activity," says the Honourable Rona
Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health.
"The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is pleased to support the
Diabetes Charter for Canada and we look forward to working with the
Canadian Diabetes Association to help ensure all Canadians living with
diabetes have timely and equitable access to high-quality care and
supports. The number of seniors living in Canada is rising rapidly, as
is the number of seniors living with diabetes so it is critical that
all governments come together to devise a seniors care strategy, one
that helps ensure good care for Canadians living with chronic
conditions such as diabetes," says Dr. Chris Simpson, President-Elect
of the Canadian Medical Association.
The Diabetes Charter for Canada is the shared voice of the diabetes
community including people with diabetes, their caregivers and
health-care providers. It presents a common vision through a set of
principles that confirm the commitments of the diabetes community
concerning diabetes prevention and management, support and care.
The guiding principles of the Canadian Diabetes Association in
developing the Charter are to: ensure that people who live with
diabetes are treated with dignity and respect; advocate for equitable
access to high-quality diabetes care and supports; and enhance the
health and quality of life for people who live with diabetes and their
caregivers.
"The Diabetes Charter for Canada will serve as a catalyst for positive
change over time, and help all Canadians living with diabetes reach
their full health potential," adds Blickstead.
Canadians from coast to coast are invited to participate in this
important nationwide initiative by signing the Diabetes Charter for
Canada online at www.MyDiabetesCharter.ca.
About the Diabetes Charter for Canada
The Canadian Diabetes Association developed the Charter through
extensive research and consultation, which consisted of: a literature
review of health and patient charters developed in Canada and
internationally; a panel of subject matter experts including Canadians
with diabetes and health professionals to identify key issues affecting
people with diabetes; four consultative workshops attended by more than
80 Canadians within the diabetes community; and a survey verifying the
rights and responsibilities proposed in the workshops.
An advisory committee of health-care providers and diabetes advocates
were consulted regularly and overall, more than 200 people across
Canada have been involved in developing the Charter.
About the Canadian Diabetes Association
The Canadian Diabetes Association is a registered charitable
organization, leading the fight against diabetes by helping people with
diabetes live healthy lives while we work to find a cure. Our
professional staff and more than 20,000 volunteers provide education
and services to help people in their daily fight against the disease,
advocate on behalf of people with diabetes for the opportunity to
achieve their highest quality of life, and break ground towards a cure.
Please visit diabetes.ca, join us on www.facebook.com/CanadianDiabetesAssociation follow us on Twitter @DiabetesAssoc, or call 1-800-BANTING (226-8464).
SOURCE Canadian Diabetes Association
Image with caption: "Diabetes Charter for Canada (CNW Group/Canadian Diabetes Association)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140407_C8690_PHOTO_EN_38839.jpg
Audio with caption: "CanadianDiabetesAssociation_PSA_REV.mp3". Audio available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/04/07/20140407_C8690_AUDIO_EN_38849.mp3
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/04/07/20140407_C8690_DOC_EN_38843.pdf
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2014/04/07/20140407_C8690_DOC_EN_38844.pdf
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