Costa Continues Fight for Epilepsy Funding and Awareness
Russell Allen, Western and Central Pa Epilepsy Foundation
Executive Director Judith Painter, Jennifer Allen and
Maggie Allen (being held) |
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I was honored to attend the annual Epilepsy Foundation of Pennsylvania breakfast in Harrisburg earlier this week.
Epilepsy can affect anyone, at any age. In Pennsylvania 200,000 of our friends and neighbors are living with this illness. The numbers continue to rise.
Alarmingly, one in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime making it critical that we continue to advocate on behalf of all families living with and supporting someone with a seizure disorder. While medical science and research have advanced significantly over the last few years, there is still so much more work to be done toward finding a cure.
In an effort to raise awareness of this disorder, I introduced a resolution, designating March 26 as Epilepsy Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. You can read Senate Resolution 46 by clicking here.
Legislative advocacy events like the Epilepsy Awareness breakfast are invaluable. There is nothing more important than being able to hear from families and medical providers about the challenges they’re facing and where we can continue working together to improve lives and build toward better patient outcomes. Their perspective and feedback on policy issues and funding matters help guide Pennsylvania lawmakers toward decisions that will benefit all Pennsylvanians.
In the past, state funding supported the great work of the Epilepsy Foundation. The funding they received throughout the years was used for technical assistance, training and support for school nurses to better prepare them to react when a student had a seizure. This critical funding was also used for patient education, public awareness information and referral services for children and their families.
For more than 40 years, the Epilepsy Foundation has been dedicated to serving the needs of Pennsylvania families and they have worked hard to make a difference. Sadly however, Governor Corbett has eliminated all funding for epilepsy efforts in his proposed 2013-14 budget.
Please know that my colleagues and I are committed to fighting to have this necessary funding restored on behalf of the many families who benefit from the programs and services it supports.
 Stay Connected
For updates on this and other legislative initiatives, stay in touch with me on the Internet through my website or on Facebook.
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