American Society of Hematology Urges Congress to Increase FY2010 NIH Funding by at least 7 Percent, Calls on Public to Join Effort
The American Society of Hematology is working with patient groups to increase federal funding of the National Institutes of Health by encouraging consumers to watch a short video that illuminates the life-saving potential of biomedical research and use the Society's online advocacy tool to contact Congress and voice support.
Washington, DC (PRWEB) April 16, 2009
As Congress works on fiscal year (FY) 2010 funding bills, the American Society of Hematology (ASH), along with the biomedical research community, is calling for a funding increase of at least 7 percent over the FY 2009 budget of $30.3 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). ASH invites patients, researchers, and physicians to join in this effort and take action by watching "Research Saves Lives (http://www. bloodthevitalconnection. org/)," a short video about the importance of funding medical research, and using ASH's online advocacy tool to contact Congress and voice support for increased research funding.
"Biomedical research is critical to solving the nation's health crisis and ensuring a safer, healthier America for all generations," said Nancy Berliner, MD, president of the American Society of Hematology. "We can make a difference by working together. Do your part by contacting your member of Congress to express your support for increasing the funding available to NIH for life-saving research."
Recently released by ASH, the short video "Research Saves Lives" showcases the often life-saving results of biomedical research. The video and advocacy tool are featured on www. bloodthevitalconnection. org], ASH's consumer Web site. The video is also available on YouTube (http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=hTA9QL7CvY8) (www. youtube. com/user/ASHWebmaster (http://www. youtube. com/user/ASHWebmaster)).
Make your voice count: Join health advocates, researchers, and physicians by contacting Congress (http://www. bloodthevitalconnection. org/get-involved. aspx). It takes only a few minutes to use the American Society of Hematology's online advocacy center to reach members of Congress.
Get informed: Watch the YouTube video "Research Saves Lives" (http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=hTA9QL7CvY8), which shows how continued biomedical research leads to treatments and cures for debilitating diseases.
Spread the word: Whether you know someone touched by a blood disease or just believe in the importance of scientific research, please take action. Share this video and call to action with friends who also care about improving the nation's health and finding cures for diseases that affect millions of Americans each year.
About the American Society of Hematology
The American Society of Hematology is the world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Its mission is to further the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders affecting blood, bone marrow, and the immunologic, hemostatic, and vascular systems, by promoting research, clinical care, education, training, and advocacy in hematology. The American Society of Hematology's patient-information site, www. bloodthevitalconnection. org also provides health resources and tips for consumers and health-care professionals on common blood disorders, clinical trials, and other important information.
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