Federal Initiatives

The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) works on a wide range of policy initiatives in order to achieve better governmental policies for the treatment and prevention of Parkinson’s disease and an improved quality of life for those living with the disease.  

Current Key Initiatives:

Developing a National Parkinson’s Disease Registry
The Parkinson’s community does not have accurate information on how many American’s have Parkinson’s disease.  In 2009, legislation was introduced in Congress that would establish a national Parkinson’s disease registry, which will determine incidence and prevalence of the disease.  Learn more.  

Securing Funding for Parkinson’s Research at the Defense Department
Thanks to the advocacy efforts of the Parkinson’s community throughout 2009, $25 million was secured for Parkinson’s disease research at the Department of Defense!  It is only with the advocacy efforts of the Parkinson’s community that this program continues to fund innovative research.  Learn more.

Fighting for Disability Benefits for Vietnam Veterans with Parkinson’s
PAN supports the creation of a presumption of service connection for Vietnam veterans living with Parkinson’s disease.  This would allow Vietnam veterans living with Parkinson’s disease who were exposed to Agent Orange to gain access to disability benefits.  Learn more.

You can help make a difference on the policies that impact people living with Parkinson’s disease by raising your voice in support!  By raising your voice, we can breakdown barriers to securing better treatments and a cure for Parkinson’s, secure additional funding for Parkinson’s research, and ensure that government programs benefit those living with Parkinson’s.  Take action today.