#United States #Washington, D.C. #Parkinson's Disease #Research Funding #paraquat

National Support for Parkinson's Research

A recent nationwide poll reveals a significant interest among voters regarding increased funding for Parkinson's disease research and more stringent control over hazardous herbicides like paraquat. With more than 350 advocates from across the nation gathering in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 Parkinson's Policy Forum, the message is clear: the federal government must take decisive action.

Key Findings from the Survey

The survey conducted between March 3-5, 2026, sampled 1,000 registered voters and unveiled several crucial insights:

• - Over 75% of respondents support doubling federal investment in Parkinson's research.
• - Approximately two-thirds advocate for curbing or prohibiting the herbicide paraquat, which has been scientifically linked to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease.
• - Nearly 80% of the surveyed individuals expressed the need for a cohesive national strategy aimed at enhancing prevention, treatment, and care for Parkinson's patients.

Advocates Speak Out on Capitol Hill

During the forum, individuals living with Parkinson's, caregivers, researchers, and policy leaders met with congressional representatives to further discuss critical policy issues. Some proposals include:

• - Increasing federal funding for Parkinson's research to $600 million per year through the National Institutes of Health.
• - Urging the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize its reassessment of paraquat and suspend its usage to protect brain health.
• - Supporting the bipartisan HEALTHY BRAINS Act, aimed at understanding how toxic exposures affect neurodegenerative diseases.
• - Implementing the long-awaited National Parkinson's Project, designed to enhance diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and cure efforts.

Impact of Parkinson's on Families

The survey results illustrate the vast impact of Parkinson's disease within American society, with 37% of participants indicating a close relation affected by the condition. A substantial 75% believe that increased financial support could lead to significant advancements in discovering a cure.

Real Stories, Real Advocacy

At the forum, advocates like Sara Herrity from Granger, Indiana, shared their personal experiences with Parkinson's, stressing the importance of amplifying individual stories to inform policy decisions. Herrity, diagnosed at 39, expressed her determination to see more governmental action, emphasizing that the growth of Parkinson's' prevalence necessitates urgent investment in research and patient care.

Mobilizing Community Efforts

The Parkinson's Policy Forum is organized by a coalition of organizations, including The Michael J. Fox Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association. Their collective statement reinforced the impactful relationship between organized advocacy and legislative change, highlighting past successes tied to persistent efforts from the Parkinson's community.

“Washington responds to organized, persistent advocacy,” noted Dan Feehan, chief policy and government affairs officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “The scale of this challenge and the strength of public support make clear that Congress must act.”

Looking Forward

As the Parkinson's National Day of Action approaches on April 7, thousands of advocates are expected to continue pushing for significant policy changes that improve lives and support research efforts.

In conclusion, the 2026 Parkinson's Policy Forum not only showcased a strong desire for change but also unified the community in its quest for greater recognition and resources. As advocates prepare for ongoing discussions in Congress, there remains a hopeful outlook for future advancements in addressing the needs of those living with Parkinson's disease.