“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world: indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead. In Gainesville Florida, Insulin for Life USA (IFL), is where a small group of thoughtful committed citizens are changing the world by providing free of charge “insulin and diabetes management supplies to those with diabetes who otherwise would go without these life-saving provisions.” I had the honor to talk with Maggie Angelillo, International Program Specialist, about this super cool and special organization.
“IFL USA’s mission is simple: to bring the necessary resources to individuals with diabetes.” IFL
Dr. Mark Atkinson and Carol Atkinson co-founded Insulin for Life in 2012. Dr. Atkinson has been involved in diabetes research for years and knew all too well that if a person does not have the supplies and insulin to treat their diabetes the physical toll, including becoming life threatening, would have. So he and Carol decided to found the much needed Insulin For Life USA to help all those in need of insulin get it.
“At Insulin for Life USA we understand diabetes is a global problem.” IFL
IFL receives donations from all over the USA. The majority of donations come from individuals. All donations received such as insulin, testing supplies, syringes and checked in regards to dates and safety. IFL is very thorough in ensuring the supplies they recieve meet safety standards. Most of the insulin and supplies donated to IFL is sent off to one of the 22 countries and 24 partner clinics and hospitals. All partners go through an application process which includes making sure a licensed medical healthcare professional is part of the partner organization. The “Diabetes In a Box” donations sent includes insulin,testing strips, and syringes. There is a high level of collaboration between all those involved, including making sure all forms are accurate, as some of these life saving supplies are going to other countries and need to go through customs. While insulin can last safely up to two years it is a priority to get supplies quickly to where they are needed.
“With this disease comes a variety of obstacles that individuals are forced to face, most prominently being a lack of insulin. 900,000 children with Type 1 Diabetes, from over 70 countries, suffer from this need, sometimes dying as a result.” IFL
Because IFL is a smaller organization it can quickly get supplies where they are needed. This non-profit is nimble and utilizes their strong global partnerships to take action to bring these emergency “Diabetes In A Box” to places such as Ukraine and into Turkey after the devastating earthquakes. IFL participates in meetings with the World Health Organization (WHO), problem-solving and working together to help places where these diabetes life saving supplies are needed. When disaster situations occur in the USA, IFL will step in and step up to get emergency supplies quickly to the area impacted. It is important to note that IFL has four full-time and two part-time staff. These people are fierce in their dedication, and efficiently have been able to get millions of donated test strips, syringes, and units of insulin to people whose life depends upon this medication. Globally, the need for insulin and supplies is immense. The more people who donate the more these life-saving supplies can get to where they are needed. Additionally instead of these in-date medical supplies going directly into the garbage, these donations go to people in need where they are used and then disposed of in an earth friendly manner.
“The best way to find yourself is in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi
We are honored to shine the Kindness Champion Spotlight on Insulin for Life USA. Where “generous partners, passionate directors, and consistent support from individuals in and out of the diabetes community helps IFL USA make a difference”, helping people globally live healthy and happy lives. We thank you for being you and bringing your awesomeness to the world.
For more information about the remarkable Insulin for Life USA here is their information:
Website: https://iflusa.org/
X (formerly Twitter): @Insulin4LifeUSA https://x.com/Insulin4LifeUSA
Facebook: @InsulinforLifeUSA https://www.facebook.com/insulinforlifeusa/
Instagram: @insulin4lifeusa https://www.instagram.com/insulin4lifeusa/
