Nevada Diabetes Association for

About the Organization

Organization category

Public Charity

Mission

The Nevada Diabetes Association improves the lives of individuals and families affected by diabetes by expanding access to education, compassionate support, life-saving resources, and meaningful community connections. Through innovative programs, statewide partnerships, and a commitment to equitable care, we empower Nevadans to navigate diabetes with confidence and live healthier, more connected lives.

Programs or services

The Nevada Diabetes Association seeks grant funding for programs that improve the lives of individuals and families affected by diabetes throughout Nevada. Our funding priorities include diabetes education, emergency medical assistance, youth and family camps, newly diagnosed family support, health equity, access to care, mental health and wellness, and community-based initiatives that reduce barriers to diabetes management and improve long-term health outcomes. We value partnerships with funders who share our commitment to creating healthier, more connected communities.

Detailed programs

Diabetes Camps: Our youth, teen, and family diabetes camps provide safe, medically supervised environments where individuals living with diabetes build confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Campers learn diabetes self-management skills, participate in traditional camp activities, and connect with peers who share similar experiences, helping them realize they are never alone in their journey.

Emergency Medical Assistance Program (EMAP): EMAP provides temporary emergency access to insulin, diabetes medications, testing supplies, and other essential resources for Nevadans experiencing financial or medical hardship. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the program connects participants with education, healthcare providers, insurance resources, and long-term support to help prevent future crises.

Diabetes Day-1 (DD1): Diabetes Day-1 supports individuals and families during the critical period following a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Through education, mentorship, navigation services, and peer connections, the program helps families understand diabetes management, access needed resources, and build confidence as they adjust to life with diabetes.

Support Groups & Community Programs: The Nevada Diabetes Association offers support groups, educational workshops, and community events that connect individuals and families living with diabetes throughout Nevada. These programs reduce isolation, encourage peer learning, and provide ongoing education and emotional support across every stage of life.

Youth Leadership & Teen Programs: Programs such as Teen Camp and our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) initiative help adolescents develop leadership skills, strengthen diabetes self-management, and build lasting peer relationships. Participants gain confidence while preparing to become mentors and role models for younger campers and others in the diabetes community.

Community Education & Outreach: We partner with healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and local leaders to increase diabetes awareness and improve access to education and support services across Nevada. Through outreach events, resource navigation, and collaborative partnerships, we work to ensure more individuals and families receive timely, compassionate care regardless of where they live.

Target Audience

The NDA serves individuals and families affected by diabetes throughout Nevada, including rural and underserved communities. We support children, teens, adults, caregivers, and families through diabetes education, camps, emergency assistance, peer support, and community resources, with a strong focus on empowering youth living with type 1 diabetes.

Geographic Focus

Statewide throughout Nevada

Current projects

Statewide Expansion of Diabetes Day-1: We are expanding our Diabetes Day-1 program to reach more newly diagnosed individuals and families across Nevada. By strengthening healthcare partnerships, enhancing family navigation services, and increasing educational opportunities, we aim to ensure every family has immediate access to the support, resources, and community they need following a diabetes diagnosis.

Expanding Emergency Medical Assistance: We continue to build-out our Emergency Medical Assistance Program to improve access to life-saving insulin, diabetes medications, and supplies for individuals experiencing financial hardship. Current efforts focus on expanding statewide partnerships, increasing outreach to underserved communities, and strengthening long-term pathways to healthcare and support services.

Growing Youth Leadership & Camp Access: We continue to expand scholarship opportunities, youth leadership development, and access to our diabetes camp programs so that no child is prevented from participating because of financial barriers. Current initiatives include enhancing Teen Camp programming, strengthening our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program, and increasing outreach to families throughout Nevada.

Building Stronger Community Partnerships: We are actively developing partnerships with healthcare providers, hospitals, schools, businesses, foundations, and community organizations to improve diabetes education, resource navigation, and access to care. These collaborations help us extend our reach and better serve individuals and families across urban, rural, and frontier communities.

Organization goals

The Nevada Diabetes Association is committed to ensuring every Nevadan affected by diabetes has access to the education, resources, and community needed to live a healthy, confident life. Our short-term goals include expanding statewide access to emergency assistance, growing youth and family programs, strengthening healthcare and community partnerships, and increasing support for individuals newly diagnosed with diabetes. Long-term, we aim to build a more connected, equitable system of diabetes care across Nevada by reducing barriers to care, expanding access in rural and underserved communities, fostering the next generation of diabetes leaders, and continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of those we serve.

Leadership

Kim Gradisher - Executive Director
Nate Gibson - Sr. Director of Operations
Alex Schopp - Director of Development
Emily Hixson - Camps & Programs Director
Dakota Ostrenger - Communications Director

Funding Needs

Funding needs

The Nevada Diabetes Association is actively seeking philanthropic support to expand statewide access to diabetes education, emergency medical assistance, youth and family camps, newly diagnosed family support, and community-based health initiatives. Funding helps provide life-saving diabetes supplies, camp scholarships, educational programming, peer support, and resource navigation for individuals and families living with diabetes. We also welcome investments in program innovation, organizational capacity, and strategic initiatives that strengthen our ability to reach more Nevadans with compassionate, life-changing care.

Website & Social Media