Apr 05, 2009
2009 Public Policy Conference
This year, like every year, the Louisiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society participated in the annual Public Policy Conference. This conference is an opportunity for staff and volunteers to have their voices heard on Capitol Hill. The met with local and state representatives and were a voice to the many people living with MS with whom they serve.
One of our advocacy volunteers, Maureen Collier, wrote the following as a response to the experience she had will being a part of the 2009 Conference.
"In March 2009, I had the honor of attending the 18th Annual MS Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. with Crystal Smith Louisiana Chapter Director of Programs and Services. As a MS advocate, registered nurse, researcher, and person living with MS this experience contributed to personal support of further knowledge, additional contributions to disenfranchised populations, and the potential for societal benefit. The national MS society not only benefits those with MS but society endeavors align with those suffering from other conditions as well. The society has joined with representation from the Parkinson’s disease foundation for a “National Registry Act” which can promote additional understanding into disease processes, populations, environmental characteristics, and genetic associations. The MS societies request for additional funding for research for the Department of Defense into causes and factors resulting in clues into “why” veterans have returned from Foreign Service demonstrating increases in a diagnosis of MS can help society, service related injury, and lead to results of terrorism activities.
Personal activism toward support of our current National Healthcare Reform promotes a need to help society, those healthcare providers serve, and those coming to healthcare providers for care and partnership to maintain the highest possible quality-of-life. The burden of chronic illness rests on the person, family, friends, neighbors, communities, and society. I believe, as an American, I have an obligation to see to it that all people are treated appropriately, individually, and with programs that meet the unique needs of the individual. The MS society through their programs and services offers significant contribution to this cause and I am proud to be an activist for these societal endeavors.
Respectfully,
Maureen M. Coller, RN, BA, MSA, DHA(c)