Our Public Policy Priorities
To advance policies that support people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones, a community approach to advocacy is essential.
When it comes to policy and advocacy, it's critical that the Parkinson's community speaks with one voice. For this reason, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) created the Unified Parkinson’s Advocacy Council (UPAC). Comprising representatives from local, state, regional and national Parkinson's organizations, UPAC members gather information on the priorities of people with Parkinson's and their families, helping to ensure the needs of the broader Parkinson’s community are represented in our collective public policy efforts. UPAC sends letters to policymakers when relevant bills or federal rules are being debated and encourages Parkinson's constituencies across the country to advocate.
UPAC's approach follows the work of the Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN). From 1991 to 2016, PAN served as the unified voice of the Parkinson’s community on public policy and advocacy issues. PAN represented patients and loved ones on Capitol Hill and worked, with input from other Parkinson’s organizations, to positively impact research and health care policy. In June 2016, PAN closed its doors and transitioned key staff and programs to MJFF.
UPAC members include:
American Parkinson Disease Association
Houston Area Parkinson Society
Lewy Body Dementia Association
Multiple System Atrophy Coalition
Northwest Parkinson's Foundation
Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance
Parkinson Association of Alabama
Parkinson Association of Central Florida
Parkinson Association of the Carolinas
Parkinson Association of the Rockies
Public Policy Matters
Your voice and personal story can shape policymakers' decisions on issues of importance to the Parkinson's community.