Parkinson's Foundation Invites Applications for Excellence in Care Centers

Invitation for Centers of Excellence: Aiming for Higher Standards in Parkinson's Care

The Parkinson's Foundation has recently launched a call for applications for its Centers of Excellence program, targeting academic medical centers that are dedicated to providing exceptional clinical care and community resources for individuals living with Parkinson's disease (PD). This initiative aims to expand the foundation's presence in delivering quality healthcare to people with PD, especially in underserved areas.

John L. Lehr, the President and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation, emphasized the significance of today's announcement. He stated, "Further expanding the Foundation's footprint of quality care settings ensures that all people with Parkinson's disease can obtain the care they need to improve their health and quality of life." With the number of individuals affected by Parkinson's disease in the United States projected to rise from over 1 million to 1.2 million by 2030, the need for comprehensive, accessible care is increasingly critical.

Currently, the quality of care for those suffering from Parkinson's varies significantly across the country. Data reveals that approximately 40% of patients do not receive assistance from clinicians trained in advanced neurological disorders. This disparity raises awareness about the necessity to close the gap between newly diagnosed individuals and those who have access to comprehensive, structured care, information, and support systems.

The Parkinson's Foundation’s existing Global Care Network comprises 54 Centers of Excellence, alongside nine Comprehensive Care Centers and a Network of Excellence. Collectively, these centers cater to the needs of over 200,000 Parkinson's patients and contribute to clinical research while developing innovative therapeutic strategies.

The Foundation is currently inviting U.S.-based academic medical centers interested in joining its expanding network to submit a Letter of Intent (LOI). Applications that meet specific criteria will be prioritized, especially those located in states such as Delaware, Kentucky, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Washington, which are identified as having the greatest need for high-quality Parkinson's care.

LOIs for this opportunity are due by September 30, 2025, and the newly designated Centers of Excellence are set to be announced in the summer of 2026. For those seeking further information or the application process, guidance is available at Parkinson.org/Network.

Established in 1957, the Parkinson's Foundation has invested more than $474 million toward research and clinical care for individuals affected by Parkinson's disease. The foundation engages deeply with the global Parkinson's community to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. It communicates actively through various channels, including their website and social media platforms.

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder following Alzheimer’s, affecting about one million Americans. It entails progressive motor control loss and various non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, loss of smell, and psychological challenges, including depression. The urgency for effective care is heightened, as nearly 90,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S.

For media inquiries or further details, please contact Melissa Nobles Gonzalez at the Parkinson's Foundation at 305.537.9134 or via email. The collective efforts laid out by the Parkinson's Foundation and its Centers of Excellence will pave the way for a brighter future for patients navigating the complexities of Parkinson's disease.