APDA Applauds Seating of the National Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services
APDA Advocates Secure Important Spots on Council with Appointment of Cathi Ann Thomas, MS, RN, CNRN and David G. Standaert, MD, PhD
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has announced the appointment of members to the National Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services. Established under the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act, the Council brings together patient advocates, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, nonprofit leaders, and federal officials to evaluate and prioritize federally funded Parkinson’s disease research, care, and prevention efforts.
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) applauds the Administration’s action and praises the inclusion of leading experts and advocates, including APDA-affiliated leaders Cathi Ann Thomas, RN, MS, CNRN – a long-time APDA Information & Referral Coordinator, and David G. Standaert, MD, PhD, chair of APDA’s Scientific Advisory Board. Additionally, newly appointed APDA National Board Member, Sara Whittingham, MD, is also a member of this new Council. The Advisory Council is charged with improving outcomes and quality of care for people living with Parkinson’s disease and reducing the disease’s financial and societal burden.
Despite delays in implementation, this is a big win for the PD community. To make up for lost time, APDA is urging the Council to set firm, reasonable reporting timelines that will enable it to produce meaningful reports that include an estimate of the investments needed to prevent, diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure Parkinson’s disease, as well as ways to prioritize improving the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s and their families.
To learn more about this important announcement, read the full press release.
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