|
|
|
ADVOCACY
AT THE STATE AND NATIONAL LEVEL
Patient Advocacy issues are ever present. The
primary issues of concern include the high cost
of medication to available of home care services
and appropriate nursing home placement. MPF is
actively involved with advocacy for services and
promoting empowerment among patients and families.
MPF has initiated an ADVOCACY TEAM. People
on this team live throughout Michigan and receive
information on bills and issues brought forth
in either at the state or national level. Team
members contact other people in their area,
such as in their support groups, and write or
call legislators to encourage an action on legislation.
Our legislators need to know there are people
within their districts who are affected by legislation.
The Michigan Parkinson Foundation Board of Directors, upon the advice of MPF's Legislative Advocacy Committee, approved on December 3, 2003 the following legislative agenda:
That the Michigan Parkinson Foundation formally adopt the
Parkinson Action Network (PAN) agenda for advocacy at the
national level
That the following issues be the prime subject of MPF's advocacy efforts in the State of Michigan:
- Support the Michigan Parkinson Initiative Programs which provide the latest in clinical and education programs throughout the State.
- Maintain and enhance funding for information and referral services and education programs relating to Parkinson's Disease in Michigan.
- Preserve Home and Community Based Care Options.
- Increase Parkinson's-specific training and education for service providers in all aspects of Michigan's health care and long term care systems.
- Promote affordable medication coverage for people with Parkinson's, including access to Parkinson's specific medications.
That efforts be made to support research and funding of research pertaining to Parkinson's disease.
To be on the Advocacy
Team, contact MPF.
People are needed to contact legislators by
phone, email and/or letter. People are needed
to assist in monitoring proposed bills. Training
will be provided by the MPF office and/or a
member of the Advocacy Team.
|
|
|
|
|
