FWD:NIH Reform Bill and what it means for people in pain

Great News!

The recently passed NIH Reform Bill includes important language that will benefit people affected by pain for generations to come. The NIH Reform Act of 2006 includes a requirement for the National Institute of Health to provide a report summarizing its research activities including its attention to pain and palliative care. The NIH Director must identify the actual dollar amounts obligated for a pain and palliative care and include plans for research on pain and palliative care, including statements of objectives regarding the research, the means for achieving the objectives, and a date by which the objectives are expected to be achieved. This language was introduced into the bill by Congressman Rogers from Michigan. APF worked behind the scenes in promoting support for the pain specific language. This is a critical step in promoting investment in pain research at the NIH. There are so many pain conditions for which there is no effective treatment and where the only answer lies in greater investment in research. Thank you to Congressman Rogers to spearheading this influential language!