Mar 26, 2009
Act Now to Secure $15 Million in MS Research
MS activists were successful in efforts last year to secure research funding for multiple sclerosis. In FY 2009, a new $5 million program was added for MS research under the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP). The CDMRP is a Department of Defense (DoD) program that is funded annually via the Defense Appropriations Act.
This initial funding is a great start, but now is the time to take the next step to secure more necessary funding for MS research. The North Florida Chapter is urging activists to ask your members of Congress to support a $15 million appropriation under the CDMRP that will help scientists to better understand the causes of MS and help find a cure.
The deadline for requests is March 31 - take action today!
- Call your Senators and Representative to talk about this issue. Call the Capitol switchboard at 1-800-828-0498 to be connected with their Washington, D.C. offices.
- Click here to follow up with a quick e-mail to your legislators.
You can make a difference in the future of MS research funding in the FY 2010 budget. Take action today to ensure that your Senators and Representative hear the MS activist message and understand the need for greater MS research.
Background and Talking Points
When you speak with your legislator or their staff tell them that you are making a request for the FY 2010 Defense Appropriations bill that is under consideration right now. Ask them to sign on to a Dear Colleague letter requesting $15 million for MS research funding under the CDMRP by March 31. This letter is being circulated by Congressmen Russ Carnahan (MO) and Michael Burgess, MD (TX) in the House of Representatives and Senators Sherrod Brown (OH) and Jim Bunning (KY) in the Senate.
Click here to check whether your Senators and/or Representative have signed onto the Dear Colleague letter. The list is located on the left sidebar of the page.
Preliminary evidence suggests that Gulf War veterans are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with MS. Currently more than 28,000 veterans being treated in the VHA are living with a diagnosis of MS. The DoD has an obligation to fund research for diseases related to military service. This research would benefit not only our veterans, but would help us move closer to a world free of MS.
Click here for more information and talking points.
Multiple sclerosis iterrupts the flow of information between brian and body and stops people from moving. With the help of people like you, the National MS Society addresses the challenges of each person whose life is affected by MS and helps them stay connected to the great big moving world. The North Florida Chapter was founded in 1973 and is dedicated to a world free of MS through funding research and programs for people with MS and their families.
For more information on advocacy, MS or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, contact us at 800-344-4867, msnorfla@fln.nmss.org or www.nationalmssociety.org/fln.