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Our Public Policy Priorities

Unified Parkinson's Advocacy Council

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

Brian Grant Foundation

CurePSP

Dallas Area Parkinson Society

Davis Phinney Foundation

Friends of Parkinson's

Hawai'i Parkinson Association

Houston Area Parkinson Society

Lewy Body Dementia Association

Michigan Parkinson Foundation

Multiple System Atrophy Coalition

Northwest Parkinson's Foundation

Parkinson & Movement Disorder Alliance

Parkinson Association of Alabama

Parkinson Association of Central Florida

Parkinson Association of Northern California

Parkinson Association of the Carolinas

Parkinson Association of the Rockies

Parkinson Voice Project

Parkinson's Foundation

Parkinson's Resources of Oregon 

PD Avengers

Power for Parkinson's

Power Over Parkinson's

Wisconsin Parkinson Association

Michael J. Fox at a meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

Public Policy Matters

Your voice and personal story can shape policymakers' decisions on issues of importance to the Parkinson's community.

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