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ABOUT THE TLDC
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TheTribal Leaders Diabetes Committee (TLDC) was established in 1998 by the Director of the IHS in response to the successful partnership between IHS and tribal leaders in deciding the process for distribution of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 Special Diabetes Program for Indians.

In creating this permanent committee, the Director sought to foster an ongoing dialogue between the agency and tribal leadership on matters related to diabetes in A I /A N communities. The TLDC is comprised of one elected tribal official from each IHS Area and 1 members-at-large. The DDTP Director, Doctor Kelly Acton of the IHS and one elected/appointed tribal leader, Vice-Chairman Buford Rollin serve as Co-Chairs of the Committee. The TLDC meets quarterly with intermittent conference calls as needed between meetings. The agenda is established jointly by the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention, the Grants Management Office and the tribal leaders, based on current issues and concerns.

The impact of this relationship on the grants process is evident in the unique character of the grant program and its clear attention to tribal concerns.

Tribal leaders' involvement in the grants process has allowed the IHS DDTP greater access to, and increased awareness and knowledge of, tribal concerns across the nation. This valuable collaboration between the IHS and tribal leaders has been an unexpected, but very important, outcome of the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and has contributed significantly to the success achieved in Indian communities thus far.