Activists on Capitol Hill

The news is everywhere!  facebook pages are posting, twitterers are tweeting, even clicking on the title of this blog will lead you to read how hundreds of MS activists are gathering in DC this week for the National MS Society's annual public policy conference.  North Carolina's own Public Policy director Abby Emanuelson, and Eastern NC Chapter President Jeff Furst, are among the many attending on Wednesday March 3, 2010 to advocate for public policies that will improve the lives of those living with MS and other chronic conditions.

There are three main priorities on the agenda:

1) MS Research Funding in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP):
  Over the past two years, the CDMRP designated 9 million dollars to research the increased incidence of MS in military personell returning from combat.  This year, advocates are supporting a 15 million dollar appropriation for MS research with in the CDMRP

2) National MS and Parkinson's Disease Registries Act: 
  If passed, this act would create the first national coordinated system to collect and analyze data on MS and Parkinson's Disease.  Not only would this be a boon for the research community but, as stated by National MS Society President and CEO Joyce Nelson said it, "will give us a clearer picture of the impact of MS and help us better serve all those who live with this disease."


3) Full Funding of Lifespan Respite: 
  Since its establishment in 2006, the Lifespan Respite Act receives only minimual funding.  Advocacy efforts aim to fain full funding, 94.81 million dollars, to ensure quality home-based care for people living with MS.

Write your legislators about these topics.  For your convience, Click Here to access templates.