Advocacy > Federal Initiatives
Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2011 (PPARCCA)
The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2011 (PPARCCA), spearheaded by the National Psoriasis Foundation and its advocates, was introduced in Congress May 26, 2011. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) introduced it in the Senate. Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.-6th) introduced it in the House of Representatives, with the support of Rep. Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas-20th).
The bill sheds light on the seriousness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and advances the nation's efforts to find cures for these diseases.
If passed, the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure, and Care Act of 2011 will:
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Secure $1.5 million a year (2012-2017) to continue the psoriasis data collection project.
PPARCCA calls for a six-year investment toward understanding the public health impacts of psoriatic disease.
The project began with $1.5 million allocated to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by Congress in 2009. Learn more »
CDC researchers have completed the first phase of the project. Without continued funding, this initial investment will be lost.
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NPF and others are bringing scientists from different disciplines together to study the connections between psoriatic disease and other serious health conditions.
PPARCCA calls on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to join these efforts—forming a strong public-private partnership to find a cure.
Why data collection is important
Tracy Curzan's son, Sean, was diagnosed with psoriasis at the age of 3. As a mother she worries about managing his disease and finding a treatment that is safe and effective.
"This is a critical time; the psoriasis community needs to come together and urge our elected officials to co-sponsor this important legislation. When enacted, this legislation will fund the continuation of psoriasis data collection at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention—information that will unlock many of the mysteries behind psoriatic disease."
—Tracy Curzan
Join Tracy and make sure the bill has widespread support by contacting your members of Congress about PPARCCA today »