IMPORTANT ADVOCACY UPDATE FOR THE NORTHWEST PARKINSON’S COMMUNITY

Dear Northwest Parkinson’s Community,

A historic piece of legislation was introduced July 28, 2022, in the U.S. House of Representatives that holds great promise for the Parkinson’s community!

The National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act (House Resolution 8585) was authored by Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Representative Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), and this bipartisan bill unites the federal government and the private sector in developing a strategic plan to prevent and cure Parkinson’s and ensure those living with the disease have access to the care they need. This is the first legislation of its kind for Parkinson’s, and it will help steer the future of research, therapy development, and patient care.

With the House bill introduced, a Senate companion bill is being worked on and will be introduced soon.  As is standard congressional procedure, this legislation must pass both chambers of Congress before it can be sent to the President of the United States for his signature.

Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation is a member of the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council, a collection of nearly 30 Parkinson’s organizations that come together to help shape federal and state public policy in ways that support the Parkinson’s community.  There will be many opportunities for all of us to engage our Members of Congress on this legislation and have conversations about the bill and its intended impact.

You are welcome to contact your Representative to encourage them to co-sponsor this bill. 

We will be tracking this legislation and will give you updates as they occur.

Be well,

Virgil Sweeney, mba

Executive Director