Diabetes Advocacy Training
This is where members learn how to meet with their legislators and develop skills to advocate for diabetes care and education.
Participate in Advocacy Training
Each year, we host multiple opportunities for our member advocates to obtain training on diabetes advocacy.
Our two largest events are the Public Policy Forum & Hill Day and the State Policy Forum. These premier events feature expert speakers on key issues related to diabetes care and prevention that are actively being considered at the state and federal levels.
As part of diabetes advocacy training, attendees learn about current issues, policy goals that the diabetes community is seeking to address, how to talk with legislators and their staff, and how to develop partnerships to push for change.
Advocacy training events are for ADCES® members with all levels of advocacy experience and have no cost to register.
Diabetes Advocacy Training
Policy Forums
2026 State Policy Forum
The ADCES State Policy Forum will return on November 17, 2026. This virtual event is free and open to all ADCES members.
Time
- November 17, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Session Topics
- Medicaid Cuts Coming in 2027
- Resources for the Uninsured/Underinsured
- Dietitian Licensure Compact
- State/Regional Networking Breakouts
Speakers
- Katherine O'Neal, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, CDES, BC-ADM, 2026 ADCES President
- Hannah Martin, MPH, RDN, Director of Advocacy, ADCES
- Jennifer Tolbert, MPH, Director of State Health Policy/Deputy Director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured, KFF
- George Huntley, Diabetes Leadership Council/Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition
- Charla Burrill, JD, RDN, Senior Director of State Legislative and Government Affairs, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Thank You, Sponsors!
Thank you to our 2026 State Policy Forum Sponsors: Dexcom, Insulet, and Lilly.
2026 Public Policy Forum & Hill Day
Times
- Virtual PPF training: June 24, 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET
- Virtual Hill Day: June 25. Congressional meeting times will vary.
Event Overview
- ADCES Advocacy priorities and 2026 activities
- The state of diabetes policy in Washington
- Legislative training on key legislation
- Preparing for Congressional meetings including team breakouts
Key Legislation
- Expanding Access to Diabetes Self-Management Training Act
- Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA)
- Medical Nutrition Therapy Act
Confirmed Speakers
- Katherine O'Neal, PharmD, MBA, BCACP, CDES, BC-ADM
- Hannah Martin, MPH, RDN, Director of Advocacy, ADCES
- Tiffani Williams, JD, MPH, DB3
- Jen Summa, JD, MPH, Baker Donelson
- Kelly Horton, MS, RDN, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- Tracy Zvenyach, PhD, MS, RN, Obesity Advocacy Coalition
- Janet Benefield, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, ADCES Advocacy Committee Chair
- Linda Gutierrez-Miller, PharmD, BCACP, BCPS, CDCES, ADCES Advocacy Committee Member
- AnnMarie Barilla, MHSc, RD, LDN, CDCES, BC-ADM, ADCES Advocacy Committee Member