Additional $3 Million for the ALS Registry - Congress Adjourns

Prior to adjourning for the year late yesterday, The ALS Association secured a tremendous victory as Congress passed legislation to provide an additional $3 million in funding for the ALS registry at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The funding builds upon and expands the pilot projects already underway at the CDC and represents a $2 million increase over last year. This is a great accomplishment considering that it comes during a year when most other health programs were cut or received little or no additional funding.

The registry funding was included in the omnibus appropriations bill, which is expected to be signed into law by the President. To date, Congress has provided nearly $5 million to support ALS registry projects that are evaluating the science to guide the creation of a national ALS patient registry. Additional information about the pilot projects is available here.

Congress will reconvene in January to begin the second session of the 110th Congress. In the meantime, we would like to thank ALS Association Chapters and individual advocates for their continued efforts. Together, we are making a difference!

The Advocacy Department wishes you and your family a happy holiday season!