FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2006
Contact:  Joy Fox
(401) 732-9400 
 
Langevin urges passage of paralysis act

Participates in Capitol Hill rally to advance work of Christopher and Dana Reeve

 
(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) joined hundreds today at the Working 2 Walk rally on Capitol Hill. The rally was organized by the Christopher Reeve Foundation and Unite 2 Fight Paralysis to advocate for the passage of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act. Langevin is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

“I was honored to participate in today’s rally that remembered an amazing couple while drawing attention to an invaluable piece of legislation,” said Langevin. “I continue to remain optimistic, like the Reeves, that together we can pass this bill and inspire so many to “Go Forward” with their lives. Passage of this legislation would be a fitting tribute to two people who gave so much to help improve the quality of life for individuals with paralysis and other disabilities, as well as their families.”

The CRPA legislation would coordinate and expand research, rehabilitation and quality of life programs for people with spinal cord injuries by:

  • Advancing cutting-edge medical research at the National Institutes of Health through the establishment of grants to a consortia of research centers
  • Establishing a Paralysis Clinical Trials Network at NIH and designing rehabilitation interventions for people with paralysis through the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research (NCMRR)
  • Calling for the Centers for Disease Control to carry out projects and interventions focusing on caregiver education, physical activity and prevention of secondary complications, and coordinating services to help remove environmental barriers
  • Expanding basic rehabilitation and health sciences research through the activities of the Veterans Health Administration. Paralysis Research, Education and Clinical Care Centers (RECCs) and Consortia will be established to focus on basic paralysis biomedical research, rehabilitation research, health services and clinical trials for paralysis. The bill will also establish Quality Enhancement Research Initiatives (QERIs) to identify best practices and define outcome measurements associated with paralysis and improve health-related quality of life

    • Langevin worked closely with Christopher and Dana Reeve in recent years on a range of issues that affect people living with paralysis and their loved ones. He was involved in establishing the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), a federally funded program, which promotes the health and well-being of people living with paralysis and their families by providing comprehensive information resources and referral services.

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