(Newswire.net — June 13, 2017) — The American Diabetes Association announced that Chet Burrell, president and CEO of CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield (CareFirst), will serve as Honorary Chair for the 2017 Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes in Baltimore, Frederick and National Capital events this fall. Burrell, a longtime supporter of American Diabetes Association (ADA) efforts, will play a critical role in raising awareness and funds to support diabetes research for a cure.
“The American Diabetes Association works tirelessly to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes, and each of us, including many CareFirst employees, members and their families are positively impacted by the work of this organization,” said Burrell. “CareFirst’s long-standing partnership with the ADA will be strengthened as we engage our employees and vast network of community partners in this year’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes campaign. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of nearly 30 million Americans living with this devastating disease.”
One out of every five health care dollars in the U.S. is spent on people with diabetes, culminating in nearly $250 billion annually, and by the year 2050, 1 in 3 Americans will be living with this disease. Across Maryland and the National Capital Area, the ADA has helped more than 200,000 individuals and families living with diabetes. Through research, education and advocacy – including our annual Step Out campaigns – our organization is working to prevent and ultimately cure this disease.
Last year, more than 4,500 people attended Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes in Maryland and the National Capital Area, raising more than $1 million for the American Diabetes Association. As this year’s Honorary Chair, Burrell has committed to raising approximately $200,000 in new revenue as part of next year’s Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes goal of $1.2 million. He will also focus on recruiting new companies to engage with the efforts of the American Diabetes Association.
“We are grateful for Chet’s commitment and excited to have his continued support of our mission,” said David McShea, Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association Maryland Chapter. “His passion and commitment to improving the health of our community will be a huge driving factor in the success of our event.”
Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes will be held this fall in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Frederick. Visit www.diabetes.org/stepout to start a team with co-workers, family and friends or to make a donation.
About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
In its 79th year of service, CareFirst, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, is a not-for-profit health care company which, through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers a comprehensive portfolio of health insurance products and administrative services to 3.2 million individuals and groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia. In 2016, CareFirst invested nearly $43.5 million to improve overall health, and increase the accessibility, affordability, safety and quality of health care throughout its market areas. To learn more about CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, visit our website at www.carefirst.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram or Google+.
About The American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
Contacts:
David McShea, American Diabetes Association, Executive Director Maryland dmcshea@diabetes.org
Kathy Burk, American Diabetes Association, Executive Director D.C.