Parkinson's Foundation Invites Applications for Innovation Awards to Enhance Care Models
The Parkinson's Foundation recently announced the opening of applications for its second annual "Paul Oreffice Innovations in Care Awards." This initiative aims to fund innovative practices in clinical care, specifically targeting improvements in health and quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinicians at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply for this two-year award that provides essential pilot funding for research focused on new care delivery models for PD patients.
John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation, stated, "Individuals with PD require specialized and comprehensive care. As part of our dedication to helping people with PD thrive, these unique awards celebrate novel approaches to care while raising awareness of the PD community's distinct health needs." This sentiment underscores the Foundation's commitment to advancing care and improving patient outcomes through innovative care strategies.
The awards program will allocate nearly $600,000 and is rooted in discussions from the Parkinson's Foundation National Roundtable on Care and Innovation, which took place in the fall of 2025. These vital conversations culminated in the creation of the National Agenda, released early in 2026. The awards are designed to reflect the urgent priorities identified during these discussions, aligning with core themes aimed at promoting progressive approaches that enhance PD care.
Sneha Mantri, MS, MD, FAAN, the Foundation's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized, "As we gather findings from research on new care delivery models, our Care Awards continue to build evidence needed to strengthen recommendations for Parkinson's care standards across the nation." This initiative is part of a broader effort through the National Parkinson's Project to secure additional support necessary for improving care for PD patients, ensuring everyone has access to timely, high-quality, and affordable care.
Applications are open to all licensed clinicians in the United States who demonstrate a strong focus on Parkinson's disease. Physicians must have completed a residency in neurology or justify their training's relevance to PD care, while allied health professionals are required to hold an advanced degree.
The application process involves an initial screening through a letter of intent, which is due on November 1, 2026. Those proposals that garner interest will be invited to submit full applications by March 2027. The awards are set to commence later in the spring.
Specifically, applications are sought in the following categories:
1. Community Clinician Capability: Enhancing clinicians' ability to manage PD by leveraging movement disorder expertise and education, such as through a hub-and-spoke model.
2. Care Models: Developing sustainable and integrated care models that improve coordination and patient outcomes.
3. Patient-Centered Technologies: Prioritizing technologies that are clinically relevant, scalable, and financially viable.
4. Defining Minimum Clinical Datasets: Supporting care coordination for individuals with PD across various settings.
The awards honor Paul Oreffice, a devoted advocate for Parkinson's awareness and care, whose significant contributions to the community are remembered through this initiative. Oreffice's legacy continues to inspire the foundation's work, creating a lasting impact on the quality of life for individuals affected by PD.
For those interested in the grant opportunities provided by the Parkinson's Foundation, more information is available at Parkinson.org/ClinicianGrants. Inquiries can also be directed to their dedicated email contact.
The Parkinson's Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of those with Parkinson's disease, has invested over $513 million in research and clinical care since its establishment in 1957. By fostering a network of support, advocacy, and education, the Foundation aims to enhance care and ultimately push toward finding a cure for PD, which currently affects over a million individuals across the United States. Parkinson's disease is characterized by progressive loss of motor control and has no known cure at this time, making ongoing research and innovation in care critically important.
John L. Lehr, President and CEO of the Parkinson's Foundation, stated, "Individuals with PD require specialized and comprehensive care. As part of our dedication to helping people with PD thrive, these unique awards celebrate novel approaches to care while raising awareness of the PD community's distinct health needs." This sentiment underscores the Foundation's commitment to advancing care and improving patient outcomes through innovative care strategies.
The awards program will allocate nearly $600,000 and is rooted in discussions from the Parkinson's Foundation National Roundtable on Care and Innovation, which took place in the fall of 2025. These vital conversations culminated in the creation of the National Agenda, released early in 2026. The awards are designed to reflect the urgent priorities identified during these discussions, aligning with core themes aimed at promoting progressive approaches that enhance PD care.
Sneha Mantri, MS, MD, FAAN, the Foundation's Chief Medical Officer, emphasized, "As we gather findings from research on new care delivery models, our Care Awards continue to build evidence needed to strengthen recommendations for Parkinson's care standards across the nation." This initiative is part of a broader effort through the National Parkinson's Project to secure additional support necessary for improving care for PD patients, ensuring everyone has access to timely, high-quality, and affordable care.
Applications are open to all licensed clinicians in the United States who demonstrate a strong focus on Parkinson's disease. Physicians must have completed a residency in neurology or justify their training's relevance to PD care, while allied health professionals are required to hold an advanced degree.
The application process involves an initial screening through a letter of intent, which is due on November 1, 2026. Those proposals that garner interest will be invited to submit full applications by March 2027. The awards are set to commence later in the spring.
Specifically, applications are sought in the following categories:
1. Community Clinician Capability: Enhancing clinicians' ability to manage PD by leveraging movement disorder expertise and education, such as through a hub-and-spoke model.
2. Care Models: Developing sustainable and integrated care models that improve coordination and patient outcomes.
3. Patient-Centered Technologies: Prioritizing technologies that are clinically relevant, scalable, and financially viable.
4. Defining Minimum Clinical Datasets: Supporting care coordination for individuals with PD across various settings.
The awards honor Paul Oreffice, a devoted advocate for Parkinson's awareness and care, whose significant contributions to the community are remembered through this initiative. Oreffice's legacy continues to inspire the foundation's work, creating a lasting impact on the quality of life for individuals affected by PD.
For those interested in the grant opportunities provided by the Parkinson's Foundation, more information is available at Parkinson.org/ClinicianGrants. Inquiries can also be directed to their dedicated email contact.
The Parkinson's Foundation, dedicated to improving the lives of those with Parkinson's disease, has invested over $513 million in research and clinical care since its establishment in 1957. By fostering a network of support, advocacy, and education, the Foundation aims to enhance care and ultimately push toward finding a cure for PD, which currently affects over a million individuals across the United States. Parkinson's disease is characterized by progressive loss of motor control and has no known cure at this time, making ongoing research and innovation in care critically important.
Topics Health）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.