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:

  1. Support the Michigan Parkinson Initiative Programs which provide the latest in clinical and education programs throughout the State.
  2. Maintain and enhance funding for information and referral services and education programs relating to Parkinson's Disease in Michigan.
  3. Preserve Home and Community Based Care Options.
  4. Increase Parkinson's-specific training and education for service providers in all aspects of Michigan's health care and long term care systems.
  5. 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.