Accomplishments
The ABC has been involved in a number of advocacy activities, including writing letters to Members of Congress, visiting Capitol Hill, issuing legislative alerts, and more.
The ABC’s Advocacy Committee, made up of volunteer leaders, is chaired by Dr. Wade Berrettini and determines the ABC’s advocacy priorities for the year. To date, the core priorities include support for increased funding for the National Institutes of Health, chronic care, stem cell research, and the ethical use of animals in research. Committee members are:
- Michael Amery, American Academy of Neurology
- Paul Aravich, PhD, Society for Neuroscience
- Peter Bell, Austism Speaks
- Susan Hagen, National Ataxia Foundation
- June Halper, Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers
- Francis Kittredge, Jr, MD, American Academy of Neurology
- Jeffrey Last, Alzheimer’s Association
- Rick Rader, MD, American Association of Multisensory Environments
- Mark Rasenick, PhD, American Association of Neuropsychopharmacology
- Jeffrey Samuels, MD, American Society of Neurorehabilitation
- Joel Saper, MD, National Headache Foundation
- Allen Segal, Society for Neuroscience
- Jennifer Sheridan, Parkinson’s Action Network
- Karen Studwell, American Psychological Association
The ABC also works closely with its lobbyists at Cavarocchi-Ruscio-Dennis Associates, who provide government affairs representation to Congress on behalf of the ABC.
Founding members of PDF’s People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council Peggy Willocks and Ann Wasson prepare to meet visitors at PDF’s booth at the annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk in New York, NY.