Parkinson's Disease Advocacy at APDA

Advocacy for the Parkinson’s Community

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the world, affecting more than 1 million people in the US, with 90,000 newly diagnosed each year. Atypical parkinsonisms, though rarer and often more aggressive, share many of the same challenges and place a major burden on individuals, families, the healthcare system, and federal resources.

APDA advocates for federal policies that expand research, improve care, and support every person touched by PD.

APDA’s Federal Advocacy Priorities

In fighting for the PD community, we are focused on priorities that will have the most impact for the most people. We are tackling multiple issues, working together with partner agencies to push for change, and to make PD the federal focus it needs to be.

What is advocacy?

Advocacy refers to the actions people take to influence decisions that matter to them. This could be anything from contacting your local representatives to attending a town hall meeting, posting your story on social media to raise awareness or joining an advocacy organization, like the APDA.

What is public policy?

Public policy refers to the actual laws, regulations, and policies that are considered and enacted at the local, state, and federal levels that address societal issues. You advocate to inform these public policies so that they meet your needs and those of your community.

Helpful hint: Think of advocacy as the “how” and public policy as the “what”.

Raise your voice. Take action today.

Your story makes a difference. By speaking up, you help lawmakers understand the real impact of Parkinson’s disease—and the urgent need for action.

Call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121, ask to be connected directly to your members of Congress and urge them to support the critical priorities below.
Share your personal story to help drive change.
Sign up for APDA advocacy alerts to stay updated on key actions and opportunities.