San Bernardino, CA— Rep. Aguilar announced $1,075,100 for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) at Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. (RSBCIHI). This US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) funding will allow critical services such as diabetes treatment and prevention education, fitness classes and telemedicine services for patients to continue.

“Our tribal communities are too often not afforded the ability to access high-quality health care,” said Aguilar. “I’m proud to announce this funding to ensure more residents in the Inland Empire have access to quality, affordable medical care they need.”

Holly Brawner, RSBCIHI Diabetes Program Director said, “According to the SDPI 2020 Report to Congress, diabetes has a 14.6% prevalence rate among adult Native Americans. Our goal at Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health Diabetes Program is to be a contributing factor in the decrease of that percentage. During these past years the community and many individuals have been empowered to take diabetes head-on and be successful!”

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, the committee responsible for funding federal programs and agencies like HHS.

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