About the Program

As of July 1, 2010, the Diabetes Prevention and Control Program, which had been part of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) since 1997, was transferred to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Governor Pat Quinn signed Executive Order 6 (2010) on April 1 to set this reorganization in motion.

The diabetes program had moved from the Illinois Department of Public Health in 1997 as part of the restructuring of the state’s human services delivery system that created DHS. With that change, Illinois became the only state in the country in which the diabetes program was not part of the state health department.

By returning the program to public health, it better positions the state to enhance chronic disease program planning, collaboration and integration. The Department looks forward to continuing the work of DHS to reduce the burden of diabetes in Illinois.

The Diabetes Research Check-off Fund

In 2005, the Illinois legislature created an income tax check-off to help fund diabetes research. The fund provides more than $100,000 annually in grants for diabetes research. Taxpayers may contribute to the fund by indicating on their income tax return form the amount they wish to donate. The donation either increases the amount the taxpayer owes or reduces the refund. Public Act 094-0107

Illinois State Diabetes Commission

The advisory group for the Illinois Diabetes Prevention and Control Program is the Illinois State Diabetes Commission. This group consists of individuals representing federal, state, and local, private and not-for-profit organizations from across the state. The group has functioned as an extension of the program to facilitate the achievement of objectives and increase the number of locations that can be involved in activities. Examples of materials produced through the joint efforts of the program and the commission workgroups include professional education programs, such as "The Burden of Diabetes in Illinois: Medicaid, Medicare, General Population;" and "Diabetes in Children: A Resource Guide for School Health Personnel." Commission members participate in the Chicago Access Network Television Diabetes Awareness and/or Prevention live, viewer call-in shows either as the expert guest or host.

The commission meets three times a year, generally in spring (April/May), fall (September/October) and winter (January/February). Members may participate in person, by teleconference or by video conference.

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (2011)
Illinois State Diabetes Commission
Illinois Diabetes Prevention and Control Program