Inaction is a Terrible Decision
On the Hill: The Senate is back in session; the House will return on Tuesday. One of several urgent R&D-focused priorities that must be on both chambers’ agenda: FY23 appropriations. We urge your organization to sign on to this letter pressing congressional leaders to meet the September 30 appropriations deadline.
New challenges need new budgets to meet present and future needs, including preparing for future pandemics.
The Coming Storm: In a letter to the editor of The Washington Post this week, adding an additional angle to a hard-hitting op-ed by the paper’s Editorial Board, Research!America’s Ellie Dehoney, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, makes the case for the need to fund the NIH’s pandemic preparedness R&D plan: “Another pandemic is not just a threat; it is an inevitability… Inaction is a decision. In this case, a deadly one.”
Global Health Discussion: Pandemics are a global health threat ideally met with a unified global effort. We hope you can join us on Tuesday, September 13, at 11:30 a.m. ET for a conversation with Stephen Morrison, PhD, SVP and Director of the Global Health Policy Center at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, on the many reasons for U.S. engagement in global health policy, particularly including R&D.
#RallyMedRes: Research!America is participating in and helping sponsor the AACR-led 2022 Rally for Medical Research, September 13 and 14. More than 350 organizations are joining in this year’s event, raising visibility for the importance of robust funding for medical research. Follow along and amplify our collective voices on Twitter with the hashtags #RallyMedRes and #FundNIH.
Another of the Rally’s partners, United for Medical Research, offers “NIH Research 101” fact sheets for every state, summarizing active NIH-funded projects – a valuable tool to help you persuade your elected officials of the importance of NIH funding.
Celebrating Research: AAAS will host the 2022 Golden Goose Award Ceremony virtually on September 14 at 6:30 p.m. ET. The annual award honors unusual-sounding or seemingly-obscure projects that have resulted in discoveries benefitting society in significant ways (see past awardees). The award turns a spotlight on the enormous value of federally-funded scientific research – including rich discoveries needed in order to yield benefits to patients.
Forum Focus on Patients: This year, the National Health Research Forum, September 19-20, will feature several focused discussions on patient care and engagement as well as health services research. A few highlights:
- The Path of Patient Engagement – Discussion with National Health Council CEO Randall Rutta and PCORI Executive Director Nakela Cook, MD, MPH. (Sept. 19, 12:15 p.m. ET)
- Patient-centered Advances in Treatments and Education – Join Alok Patel, MD, and expert panelists for a case study, focusing on lupus. (Sept. 19, 2:50 p.m. ET)
Register to join us – the virtual event is free and open to all. Check out the agenda for times and speakers; join us for the sessions that fit your schedule and interests.
Addressing Mental Health: At the Forum, we also look forward to hearing from our dynamic Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, MD, (Sept. 20 at 10 a.m.) about actions to address mental health crises and other top-of-mind issues.
More than 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. received mental health treatment last year, according to a CDC data brief released this week. From 2019 to 2021, rates of mental health treatment for adults aged 18-44 increased from 18.5% to 23.2%. While treatment rates varied significantly by race, urbanization level, and gender, increases were seen across the board.
Preventing Suicide: September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is a leading cause of death for ages 10-45 – it’s also one of the most preventable causes. Join us on Wednesday, September 14, at 2 p.m. ET for a discussion with Robert Gebbia, CEO of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
A way to get engaged: AFSP organizes “Out of the Darkness Walks” to raise public awareness and support suicide prevention. Search for a community walk in your area.
Last Chance for Microgrant Funding: Applications close at midnight tomorrow – September 9 – for Research!America’s 2022–2023 Civic Engagement Microgrants. Early career scientist-led groups from across the United States will receive funding to support innovative public engagement activities.
Stay well, stay safe, and stay connected.