WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) voted for the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act, H.R. 2365, to help prevent, diagnose, treat and cure the disease that plagues millions of Americans.  

According to the National Institutes of Health, Parkinson's disease is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States, following Alzheimer’s disease. Approximately 500,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, but considering the lack of awareness and diagnoses, some experts estimate that as many as one million Americans may have the disorder.

"More awareness, research and therapy is needed for Parkinson's Disease across the country, and especially in rural areas like Eastern Kentucky. 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," said Congressman Rogers. "In Eastern Kentucky, the nonprofit group Parkinson's In Motion, is actively working to raise awareness, build family support, and connect patients to a variety of resources such as exercise and cognitive therapies. I applaud their local efforts and I hope this bill will pave the path forward nation-wide."

The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate federal efforts and carry out a national project, including a review, assessment, plan, and strategy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure Parkinson’s Disease and related neurodegenerative Parkinsonisms.

This bill would also require HHS to establish an advisory council, comprised of federal and non-federal expert stakeholders, to evaluate current efforts, issue recommendations and implementation steps, and evaluate the national plan and strategy related to Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson's In Motion, a nonprofit organization in Laurel County, was launched by former Kentucky Administrative Law Judge Janie Rice Williams who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. She applauded Congressman Rogers' support of the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act and is hopeful for the impact it could have in Eastern Kentucky. 

"This national plan is desperately needed as more people across the country are faced with Parkinson's, the fastest growing neurological condition on the planet. This disease not only impacts the patient, but the whole family. 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," said Williams. "I'm thankful for the support we have received in Eastern Kentucky, but more resources are needed to help connect individuals to information and therapy options, especially in rural areas. That's why I'm working hard in Eastern Kentucky to let families know that they don't have to face this journey alone. I appreciate Congressman Rogers for voting for this important bill to help people here at home and across the country." 

The bipartisan bill passed the House on Thursday and now moves on to the Senate for consideration.

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

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