Federal Funding for Brain Research
What Is the American Brain Coalition?
The American Brain Coalition (ABC) is a non-profit organization that brings together people with disabling brain disorders, the families of those that are affected, and the professionals that research and treat diseases of the brain. The mission of the ABC is to reduce the burden of brain disorders, and advance the understanding of the brain.
Thank You for Your Support
The American Brain Coalition would like to thank the Members of this Subcommittee and the House for its support for the $10 billion for the National Institutes of Health in the recent economic stimulus package. This funding provides the opportunity for a substantial number of two year research grants and infrastructure project to move forward and enhance our understanding of an array of physical and mental health concerns. Progress in the fields of addiction, alcoholism, Parkinson's disease and stroke were already made by scientists funded through ARRA. Over 1,900 new investigators received ARRA grant funding. Scientists were inspired to do more research and patients suffering from debilitating neurological and psychiatric disorders were given hope, thanks to your generous support of ARRA. Please visit http://bit.ly/a0g8aA to learn more about the progress made.
Congressional Support Accelerates Discovery
In the late 1990s, Congress made a commitment to double the budget of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over the course of five years. The primary goal for the added funds was to discover better treatments and cures for human disease. Congress has delivered on its promise, and scientists have amassed a wealth of medical knowledge. Today, researchers have a greater understanding of how the brain and nervous system function due to NIH-funded research.
Many recent scientific discoveries, including those in neurology, psychiatry, and behavioral research have begun to show their potential. Insights into the biology of schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and other disorders have led to the development of enhanced diagnostic techniques, better prevention methods, and more effective treatments. Simply put, the result of Congressional support for research leads to improved patient care.
Today’s Research: Hope for the Future
Today's research is the foundation for future breakthroughs. The federal government's investment in research must be sustained in order to translate today's scientific findings into further bedside treatments, and the ABC supports NIH in its entirety. Recent discoveries, such as those listed below, are a direct result of robust funding for the NIH.
· The development of drugs that reduce the severity of symptoms for those suffering with multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease
· The identification of stroke treatment and prevention methods
· The discovery of a new class of anti-depressants that produce fewer side effects than their predecessors
· The creation of new drugs to help prevent epileptic seizures
· The expansion of treatments for the psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia
Research Improves Health and Fuels the Economy
Diseases of the nervous system pose a significant public health and economic challenge, affecting nearly one in three Americans at some point in life. Improved health outcomes and positive economic data support the assertion that biomedical research is needed today to improve public health and save money tomorrow.
Not only does research save lives and fuel today’s economy, it is also a wise investment in the future. For example, 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease today, and the cost of caring for these people is staggering. Medicare expenditures are $91 billion each year, and the cost to American businesses exceeds $60 billion annually, including lost productivity of employees who are caregivers. As the baby boom generation ages and the cost of medical services increases, these figures will only grow. Treatments that could delay the onset and progression of the disease by even five years could save $50 billion in healthcare costs each year. Research funded by the NIH is critical for the development of such treatments. The cost of investing in NIH today is minor compared to both current and future healthcare costs.
Additionally, it is estimated that each billion of dollars of NIH funding generates 15,000 to 20,000 jobs. Science funding also generates more than twice as much in state and local economic output. A strong federal investment in research can assist your state in maintaining a biomedical research foundation that attracts companies and investors. For instance, in FY2007, NIH dollars generated more than $50 billion in new state business.
Strong science funding can bolster the economy today and improve our nation’s long term health and competitiveness tomorrow. Robust research and development investment remains the key to America's long-term global competitiveness. NIH funding serves as the basis for future innovation and industries such as pharmaceutical, medial device, and biotechnology.
Recommendation
The American Brain Coalition supports $35 billion for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2011. This represents the new functional capacity funded by the annual appropriations process and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. In addition, it will help the NIH to achieve its broad research goals and provide hope for the millions of Americans affected with neurological and psychiatric disorders.
There is still much work to be done to uncover the mysteries of the brain. FY 2011 provides Congress with the opportunity to renew its past commitment to health funding as a national priority.
