SE Kentucky News

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) has shown his support for the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act, H.R. 2365. This legislation aims to address the challenges faced by millions of Americans affected by Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, following Alzheimer's disease. It is estimated that around 500,000 Americans have been diagnosed with Parkinson's, but due to a lack of awareness and diagnoses, experts believe that the actual number may be as high as one million.

Congressman Rogers recognizes the need for increased awareness, research, and therapy for Parkinson's disease, particularly in rural areas like Eastern Kentucky. He believes that a comprehensive plan is necessary to diagnose and treat this debilitating disease. In his words, "The greatest success comes from planning your work and working your plan, and this bill puts a plan in motion to help diagnose and treat the disease that impacts more than half a million people every year."

In Eastern Kentucky, the nonprofit organization Parkinson's In Motion is actively working to raise awareness, provide family support, and connect patients to various resources such as exercise and cognitive therapies. Congressman Rogers commends their local efforts and hopes that the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act will pave the way for similar initiatives nationwide.

The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate federal efforts in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease and related neurodegenerative Parkinsonisms. It also requires HHS to establish an advisory council, consisting of both federal and non-federal expert stakeholders, to evaluate current efforts, issue recommendations, and evaluate the national plan and strategy in relation to Parkinson's disease.

Janie Rice Williams, a former Kentucky Administrative Law Judge and founder of Parkinson's In Motion, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease herself. She applauds Congressman Rogers' support for the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act and believes it could have a significant impact in Eastern Kentucky. Williams emphasizes the urgent need for this national plan, as Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological condition worldwide. She explains, "While we find a cure, our mission helps those who otherwise face this degenerative condition alone. We provide resources to strengthen body, mind, and community." Williams is grateful for the support they have received in Eastern Kentucky but acknowledges the need for additional resources, especially in rural areas, to connect individuals to information and therapy options.

The bipartisan bill has successfully passed the House and will now proceed to the Senate for consideration. This is a promising step towards addressing the challenges faced by those affected by Parkinson's disease.

For more information on Congressman Rogers' work in Washington and his efforts in Kentucky, visit halrogers.house.gov and follow him on social media.

Click here to read the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act.

To learn more, click on this link: https://halrogers.house.gov/press-releases?ID=652F9D7A-7B8C-47F9-8CAD-7D7285C2CA9C