You’re the Cure Advocates Take to Capitol Hill

Last week almost 85 You're the Cure advocates from Congressional districts across the country came to Washington to share their personal stories with lawmakers and advocate for increased funding for National Institutes of Health (NIH) heart and stroke research. It was a great event for advocates, but what was even more important is that they had 95 meetings with key decision makers to deliver the Research Saves Lives message.


The entire day was energizing and reminded everyone what's at stake in the search to find a cure for heart disease and stroke. Before heading off to the Hill, advocates had a training session from the AHA Chairman of the Board, Neil Meltzer, and AHA President, Dr. Clyde Yancy. Before heading out for afternoon meetings, advocates heard an inspiring luncheon addresses from Dr. Story Landis, the director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke of NIH and Molly Nolan, a heart defect survivor from Texas.

I don't have to remind you why increasing NIH funding for this research is so critical. Even though heart disease and stroke are the leading killers of Americans, NIH continues to invest only four percent of its budget on heart research and a mere one percent on stroke research. More funding could enable NIH to pursue promising research opportunities that could lead to innovative treatments and prevention strategies and even cures.

We made quite an impact on Capitol Hill, but we still need your help! Please ask your Members of Congress to support increased funding for NIH heart and stroke research.

Want to do even more? Take a minute and re-post this blog entry on your Facebook, Twitter or other social media profiles. Your help in spreading the word within your network will result in additional voices calling for this funding – and we need all we can get!

Thanks again for being a part of You're the Cure.