Mississippi is inundated with diabetes. The Mississippi Diabetes Foundation is a locally run, locally funded non-profit organization which aims to improve the lives of all Mississippians struggling with diabetes of any type. All monies raised are spent within the state and not siphoned off to a national office. This group is a model for how other states and communities should organize themselves to combat chronic diseases in the 21st century. I have been involved with the group for over 4 years and could not recommend them more highly.