Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the founder and co-chair of the Senate Diabetes Caucus, and Senator Angus King announced that the Maine Department of Health and Human Services has received a total of $1,925,328 to support diabetes and heart disease prevention programs across the state.  This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

“Diabetes and heart disease are lifelong conditions that affect individuals of every age, race, and nationality,” said Senators Collins and King in a joint statement.  “We welcome this funding, which will help support the Maine Department of Health and Human Services’ efforts to better understand and prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.”

Chronic diseases – such as heart disease and diabetes – are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States.  HHS’ National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion works to reduce the risk factors for chronic diseases, especially for groups affected by health disparities which are differences in health across different geographic, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups.