My husband Elliott is why this petition exists. For four long days, he tried, without success, to get in touch with his doctor to refill his much-needed insulin. This struggle ended tragically when he died from ketoacidosis - a preventable complication had he gotten his insulin on time. Texas must make changes to avoid similar heartbreak for others.

Currently, there is no emergency provision which allows Texas residents to receive insulin when they can't reach their doctors. This is a policy gap that needs immediate redress as it places thousands of lives, dependent on insulin, at risk. In the United States as of 2021, around 7.4% of the population have diabetes. Furthermore, 1.5 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year (American Diabetes Association). Many of these are insulin-dependent cases.

By forcing patients to only refill insulin prescriptions through their doctors, Texas is putting the lives of thousands on the line whenever doctor-patient contact isn't possible. Instances such as weekends, holidays, or even personal emergencies can delay the timely access to insulin that diabetic patients depend on.

Therefore, we demand that the Texas health authorities implement a policy that provides for the approval of emergency insulin to patients who cannot get a hold of their doctors. The policy must ensure that insulin-dependent individuals have timely access to their medication in times of need, thereby preventing avoidable health complications.

Please join me in demanding this essential policy change. Sign the petition to make emergency insulin available for all who need it, no matter the circumstances.