U.S. Representatives Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) recently took a bold step introducing the Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research and Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS Act). This important piece of legislation is the first-time federal funds are being geared towards preventing ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases.
If passed, The HEALTHY BRAINS Act would create a center at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to conduct research on environmental and occupational risk factors for ALS and develop strategies to minimize those risks.
“Neurodegenerative diseases currently affect more than 50 million people worldwide, and as one of those people impacted, I understand firsthand how devastating these diseases are for them and their families,” said Rep. Wexton, who is currently living with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), or “Parkinson’s on steroids,” as she referred to it in a recent social media post.
“The best way we can do better for these families is by ensuring no other family has to go through what theirs, and mine, have. We have a lot of work to do to understand how to prevent these diseases in the first place.”
“We know that research is the key to developing a better understanding of diseases and holds the promise for the development of more effective treatments and potential cures,” said Congressman Bilirakis, co-sponsor on the bill. “Through the HEALTHY BRAINS Act we are investing in research that will hopefully help us better understand the underlying factors that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.”
The ALS Association has been a leading voice in the creation of this important bill and will continue to work closely with Congresswoman Wexton as the legislation moves forward.
“We are so grateful to Congresswoman Wexton for her leadership and our hearts are with her as she battles progressive supra-nuclear palsy,” said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of the ALS Association. “We also thank Congressman Bilirakis for leading this critically important effort, which is an important step in the fight to stop ALS and other neurological diseases that destroy lives and families.”
The full text of the HEALTHY BRAINS Act can be found here.
