The Regional Advocacy Council Advocate of the Year award from the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to advancing diabetes advocacy at the state and community levels. The ADA proudly announces Don Feltham as the recipient of this inaugural award, recognizing his consistent engagement, dedication, and passion as a Diabetes Advocate. Feltham was honored during the 2026 Call to Congress in Washington, DC, where Diabetes Advocates from across the country gathered to meet with lawmakers and champion policies that improve the lives of people living with diabetes.
Feltham has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the diabetes community through years of advocacy, leadership, and volunteer service. While he is relatively new to formal policy advocacy with the ADA, his dedication and passion have quickly made him a valued and respected voice among fellow advocates.
“I am honored to receive this award and recognition,” said Feltham. “I have met so many impressive people that are focused on our important mission. It is a great privilege to have this opportunity afforded to me by the ADA, and I believe in the collective power of our efforts. We must communicate, educate, and shine a light on the impact diabetes has on so many lives.”
His work reflects the power of grassroots advocacy and the impact dedicated volunteers can have on raising awareness and influencing policy. A long-time Diabetes Advocate, Feltham has shared his personal experience and advocated for policies that improve diabetes care, expand access to treatment, and support families impacted by the disease.
Feltham’s long history of community leadership also includes service with numerous civic and professional organizations, including the Heartland Santa Fe Trial Cosmopolitan Club, where he has been a member for over 25 years. The organization is part of Cosmopolitan International, known as “The Club that Fights Diabetes.” During his time with the organization, Feltham was honored as Cosmo of the Year and later received the Member Community Service Award for his outstanding contributions.
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. This year, the ADA celebrates 85 years of driving discovery and research to prevent, manage, treat, and ultimately cure —and we’re not stopping. There are over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. Through advocacy, program development, and education, we’re fighting for them all. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
