Lately there is a lot of focus on healthcare at the federal and state levels – this happens with any new administration, but this time there are many big changes going on. While that can seem stressful, there are ways that you can take action to try to make improvements for your care and that of others.
I’ve been a MS Activist for the National MS Society for about the last ten years, and have learned so much about the way our government works. I’ve also had the chance to advocate in person both on Capitol Hill and Beacon Hill here in Massachusetts.
There are some very important issues right now at the federal level – state too, but I think one of the most important issues is research funding. I’ll be heading back to Washington DC next week for the National MS Society’s Public Policy Conference, and one of the issues we will be advocating for is research funding. One of these funding sources is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
There are proposed cuts to the NIH, which if there is no funding, could impact the momentum for finding a cure for MS. There would also be cuts to current clinical trials and studies…we can’t let that happen. The NIH is the largest source of funding for MS research projects in the world, and with the proposed cuts research will be impossible to sustain. Funding has ben a bipartisan issue in the past, with legislators on both sides supporting it – we need that to continue.
There is something that you can do even if you are not a regular MS Activist – the MS Society has an easy form that allows you to send email to your Senators and State Representative. You can find that form here. It only takes a few minutes, and your email can help impact these proposed cuts – and ultimately, your health too.
If you take action, thank you in advance. I’ll keep you posted on the progress of this issue – and others. If you are stressed about this issue, taking this kind of action can help you feel like you’ve made an impact – every voice is important.
Let me know how you have been advocating for your own health, I’d love to hear your story.