TEXAS — According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s estimated that a total of 40 million people in the United States have diabetes, whether they know it or not. The City of San Antonio has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country. Now city officials are attempting to make it easier for folks with diabetes to get the medication they need, even if they can’t afford it.
Morjoriee White has made it her mission to help folks in the Alamo City who have diabetes. White is the assistant director of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. She know it’s a major issue for this area in Texas.
“It’s the seventh leading cause of death in this country. In San Antonio, Bexar County alone, 1 out of 6 individuals are walking around with diabetes, which makes it the fifth leading cause of death in this community,” said White.
White said they’ve seen an increase in hospitalizations due to diabetes as well as a greater prevalence in children. That’s why they’re happy to get the word out about a program aimed to help diabetics.
“Metro Health provides both diabetes prevention, and self management classes throughout our community. Through these classes, you learn about fitness techniques as well to properly manage diabetes,” said White.
Delia Jaramillo was diagnosed with diabetes a few years back..
“When I found out I had diabetes, at first, I just didn’t take it seriously like ‘What do you mean I have diabetes?’ Then when I started to get the dry mouth, the tiredness — I realized this is real,” said Jaramillo.
She said she’s learning to take matters into her own hands, by making a change in her lifestyle.
“This class has enabled me to try new recipes, including food that I thought I would never eat,” said White.
Jaramillo admits paying for her medication and everything needed to manage the disease can be costly.
“It’s expensive because the Medicare will cover the [medication], but the Medicare will only cover a certain amount of lancets and the needles,” said White.
Although she isn’t insulin dependent, White said there’s a citywide program to help folks who are.
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 40% of insulin dependent users pay more than $150 each month for the medications they can’t live without.
“Metro health is very excited to re-launch our diabetes insulin assistance program in partnership with H-E-B Pharmacy. With this program, we are paying up to $100 per prescription for insulin for any Bexar County, San Antonio resident that may not be able to afford their insulin,” said White.
White said no proof of income, residency or employment is needed. City funding was allocated for this program for 2026 and 2027.
Last year, a total of 1,400 residents were served and a little more than 3,000 prescriptions were filled. They’re hoping to beat that number this year.
“Since we’ve re-launched the program on May 15, we’ve served approximately 621 individuals and close to 900 prescriptions so far,” said White.
Those numbers show they are already off to a good start.
“It does cause much damage to the body, and that’s made me come to the realization that I need to take control of the diabetes. I will not allow it to control my body,” said Jaramillo.
Jaramillo urges anyone in her shoes to take their health seriously.