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Breakthrough T1D Awarded $50,000 Grant for Early Diabetes Detection

On November 10, 2025, it was announced that Breakthrough T1D, formerly recognized as JDRF, has been honored as a recipient of the 2025 Health Access Hero Award grant. This prestigious award, presented by Sun Life U.S. and DentaQuest, comes with a substantial grant of $50,000, which is earmarked to bolster the organization's efforts in early detection of type 1 diabetes (T1D).

The grant aims to enhance Breakthrough T1D's pilot program focused on improving access to T1D screening nationwide, thereby informing the future implementation of broader clinical screening initiatives. The program is particularly significant, as it addresses the current gaps in diabetes awareness and management, particularly in underserved communities.

The Launch of Mobile Diabetes Education Center

A significant portion of the grant will support the operations of the Mobile Diabetes Education Center (MOBEC), a collaboration between Breakthrough T1D and Touro University California. This innovative mobile center is designed to reach individuals who might otherwise lack access to essential healthcare services, including diabetes screening and education offerings in Northern California.

During the grant presentation, Dr. Katrina Eagilen, Chief Oral Health Access Officer at DentaQuest, emphasized the importance of the initiative, remarking on how early detection can lead to improved health outcomes for affected individuals.

Julianne Lally, the Associate Director of Medical Affairs at Breakthrough T1D, highlighted the changing landscape of diabetes diagnoses, stating, "Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, regardless of family history, and early detection can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications. The support from Sun Life and DentaQuest allows us to extend our diabetes screening efforts and educate those who may not have the opportunity to learn about their risk."

A Community-Centric Approach

The initiative aims to create a broader awareness of T1D and provide screen testing in accessible formats. With this funding, the MOBEC will be able to provide free diabetes screenings and educational resources directly to local communities, fostering proactive health management.

Dr. Jay Shubrook, a professor at Touro University California, expressed excitement about how this project could significantly impact community members. He stated, "Thanks to the Health Access Heroes Award grant, we can empower individuals by identifying their risk for type 1 diabetes much earlier in the lifeline, well before they experience symptoms like high blood sugar. This program makes a real difference in how we treat and manage diabetes on a community level."

Addressing Healthcare Inequities

The ongoing issue of healthcare accessibility in the U.S. has prompted programs such as the Health Access Hero Awards, which aim to galvanize grassroots efforts to tackle longstanding healthcare challenges. The awards recognize both organizations and individuals committed to improving health service accessibility across various communities.

David Healy, President of Sun Life U.S., remarked on the importance of initiatives that can create impactful change at the local level. He acknowledged the challenges faced by those working on the ground and conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the unsung heroes who are committed to this cause. He noted, "Breakthrough T1D is playing a crucial role in helping identify and manage type 1 diabetes, allowing individuals to lead healthier lives."

The Health Access Hero Awards have a rich history of providing substantial funding for community health initiatives and recognizing individual change-makers—having distributed over $3.5 million in grants and honored over 130 individuals nationwide.

For further information about Breakthrough T1D's initiatives, health access programs, and their collaborative efforts with Touro University California, visit their website at BreakthroughT1D.org.

This grant represents a pivotal step toward equitable healthcare access and highlights the crucial role community organizations play in driving awareness, education, and early detection of diabetes.