On March 11, hundreds of multiple sclerosis activists from across the nation joined together and met with their legislators on Capitol Hill. The conference was a great success and demonstrates how activists' collective efforts help shape policies and improve the lives of people living with MS.

This year, MS activists promoted three key issues of importance to the MS community: MS research funding in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), the National MS & Parkinson’s Disease Registries Act and comprehensive health care reform.

Increase MS research funding in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

More than 400,000 people in the U.S. live with MS, but federal funding for research has recently gone down. Emerging evidence indicates a potential link between combat service and an increased incidence of MS. In FY 2009, Congress provided $5 million for an MS Research Program in the CDMRP. 

While this seed money is a great start, the overwhelming number of recent grant submissions demonstrates a clear need for additional research funding. Ask your members of Congress to sign onto a letter being circulated by Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO) and Michael Burgess, M.D. (TX) and Senators Sherrod Brown (OH) and Jim Bunning (KY) asking for $15 million for MS research in the CDMRP.

Support the National MS and Parkinson's Disease Registries Act (H.R. 1362)

Accurate knowledge and information about incidence and prevalence is critical to gain a better understanding of MS and Parkinson's disease. These registries could help uncover and inform promising areas of research such as genetic and environmental risk factors and support the discovery of new disease therapies. Ask your members of Congress to support the National MS and Parkinson's Disease Registries Act (H.R. 1362), which would establish separate MS and Parkinson's disease registries at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Support Comprehensive Health Care Reform

Too many people with MS do not have access to health care, and too many people with MS cannot afford their medications or other treatments. Urge your members of Congress to support comprehensive health care reform in the 111th Congress, and ask them to ensure this reform meets the needs of people with chronic conditions and disabilities.

The National MS Society's Health Care Reform Principles call for the elimination of Medicare's 24 month disability waiting period, long term care support and services and the elimination of provisions that discriminate against pre-existing conditions, among many others. Comprehensive health-care reform is a necessary component and an important step to helping store our nation's economy. 

If you would like more information on any of the issues above or if you would like to get involved in advocacy, please contact Jennifer Strayer at 1-800-227-2108.