May 11, 2009
MS activists push research funding, MS registry and health care reform
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At the National MS Society’s 2009 Public Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., representatives from the Minnesota Chapter met with members of the U.S. Congress and Senate to discuss key priorities for this year’s federal legislative session, including increased funding for MS research, the creation of a national MS registry and comprehensive health care reform.
Increase funding for MS research
The National MS Society is requesting $15 million be allocated to the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) for MS research in 2010. This request comes on the heels of a $5 million appropriation for MS research to the CDMRP in 2009. MS research under the CDMRP is largely focused on the potential link between combat service and an increased incidence rate of MS. If granted, these funds could help scientists identify environmental causes of MS, new treatments and a cure.
Create MS registry to track incidence, prevalence
The society also is advocating on behalf of the National MS and Parkinson’s Disease Registry Act. Currently, the U.S. does not have a coordinated system to collect and analyze data on MS. Accurate knowledge and information about MS incidence and prevalence is critical to better understanding the disease. An MS registry could indicate promising areas of MS research, show genetic and environmental risk factors and support the discovery of improved treatments and a cure. Increased awareness of the number of people living with MS may also help promote MS advocacy efforts and identify changes in health care needs.
Reform health care
Health care reform is one of our nation’s most pressing domestic issues today. Last year the National MS Society adopted new national health care reform principles to serve as a platform to shape the policies that affect people with MS and their families. These cornerstone principles include accessible health care coverage, affordable health care services, access to high-quality, long-term care services and the elimination of disparities in care.
To learn more about the National MS Society’s federal priorities, click here.