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History of the Foundation

            Many years ago, the Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island (DFRI) made a commitment to serve those in the community who are affected by diabetes.  Today, we are proud to be the primary community-based source of support, education and advocacy for the prevention and management of diabetes in Rhode Island.

 

            In Rhode Island since 1958, incorporated in 1973 and a founding member of the National Diabetes Coalition, the Foundation’s mission is to partner with the Community to offer hope, education and support to individuals and families affected by diabetes and significantly improve their quality of life until a cure is found.

 

            The Diabetes Foundation of Rhode Island (DFRI) has been an independent foundation for over eight years.  89 cents of every unrestricted dollar raised goes directly to programs and services designed to enhance the life of the person with diabetes.  As an independent foundation, the DFRI has been able to research, develop and launch many innovative, groundbreaking programs.  No longer bound by the restrictions of a national organization, the DFRI has created partnerships and programs that directly impact the community:

 

  • Created the first statewide residential needle disposal project “Eureka” to ensure an environmentally safe way for all individuals to dispose of sharps,
  • Increased screening efforts by 400% to find the 20,000 Rhode Islanders who have undiagnosed diabetes,
  • Provide insulin, syringes and blood monitors to those who are unable to afford them,
  • Focused screening and diabetes education training in the underserved communities where the prevalence of diabetes is almost double that of the national average (African Americans, Hispanics, Asians),
  • Sponsor ten statewide support groups that provide patients with comprehensive guidelines for dealing with diabetes,
  • A certified diabetes outpatient education site that provides individual and group training for the underinsured and uninsured by a registered pharmacist, dietician and nurse educator,
  • Provide up to $13,000 annually for children in Rhode Island who cannot afford to go to camp,
  • Provide important information through its diabetes on call program and
  • Educational programs for physicians, nurses and allied health professionals to ensure that the latest developments in diabetes treatments and care are quickly made available to people with diabetes.