The American Diabetes Association estimates that over 30 million Americans are affected by diabetes and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. In the African American population, studies show that we are disproportionately affected by diabetes in comparison to the general population. The rates of diagnosed diabetes among African Americans is 12.7% compared to 7.4% of whites.

Not only does the African American community face the dilemma of increase diabetes diagnoses, but also face numerous of health care challenges when trying to manage diabetes; such as cost for treatments, medications, limited supplies and access to primary care to maintain a quality of life.

Eli Lilly and Company, a global leader in diabetes care, understands these gaps and burdens of costs in the African American community. They understand that there are gaps in health care for communities of color and working to help close it by reducing the cost of insulin and making sure that everyone will have equal access to their medicines.

For this reason, Eli Lilly has launched Lilly Diabetes Solution Center and Helpline in the African American community to ensure people receive comprehensive treatment for diabetes. To spread the word on this effort, Lilly will launch this announcement with full page ads in African American newspapers across the country.

Beginning next week, the National Newspapers Publishers Association representing Black newspapers will be running advertising in selected markets announcing the solutions center as an opportunity for African Americans to receive affordable diabetes medication. This is especially great news for African Americans who are disproportionately affected by diabetes and its effects. This collaboration with the Lilly Diabetes Solution Center will help decrease the complications of diabetes by making sure that access to affordable insulin is available to improve the quality of life in the African American community.

About The Lilly Diabetes Solution Center and Helpline

The Solution Center is a solution-oriented program to provide relief for those who are not insured, underinsured or have high out-of-pocket expenses. It will assist people to gain access to affordable insulin, resources and options. Specifically, the center provides cost savings solutions, free clinic information to receive support and short-term and long-term options for immediate needs.

Lilly is dedicated to making sure that no one has to pay full price for insulin. And for those who currently pay high costs of insulin, Lilly is wants to provide lower costs insulin options. "We don't want anyone to have to pay full list price for their insulin, and many people who do will be able to pay significantly less by calling our helpline," said Mike Mason, senior vice president, Connected Care and Insulins. "Our goal is to ensure that people paying high out-of-pocket costs for Lilly insulins are matched with the best solution available to reduce their financial burden and help ensure they receive the treatment they need."

Lilly has also donated insulin to three relief agencies that serves communities of color globally and particularly in the US -- Americares, Direct Relief and Dispensary of Hope. They have distributed insulin to 150 free clinics around the country. The helpline will direct people toward these clinics in their local communities and provide information on how they can obtain it.

Lilly wants to hear from those who have trouble paying or cannot afford their insulin by calling the helpline. If there is an immediate need, please call the helpline to learn the immediate and long-term best options of care.

"We encourage people who pay near full list price for insulin and those who don't have the financial means to afford the costs they face to call the helpline," Mason said. "We want to help people find ways to obtain insulin at more affordable prices."

Help is available now by calling the Lilly Diabetes Solutions Center helpline at 833-808-1234 to get more information and immediate assistance. Representatives will be available from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm (ET) Monday through Friday.