Alabama has long been home to groundbreaking medical research, and at the forefront of these efforts is the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
From life-saving cancer treatments to advances in cardiovascular care, UAB’s work touches thousands of lives every day.
Yet one area that deserves even more attention is Parkinson’s disease-a neurological condition that affects nearly one million Americans, including more than 16,000 Alabamians.
The Parkinson Association of Alabama has witnessed firsthand how this disease impacts families in every corner of our state.
As the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Alabama’s Parkinson’s community, Parkinson Association of Alabama provides vital education, care navigation, support programs, and advocacy that help individuals live well with Parkinson’s.
But the hope for real breakthroughs depends on continued federal investment in research-particularly through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its support of UAB’s innovative work.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt has been a steadfast champion for responsible NIH funding, advocating for transparency, scientific excellence, and initiatives that translate directly into better health outcomes for Americans.
Her leadership ensures that critical research continues while maintaining public trust in how taxpayer dollars are invested. The Parkinson Association of Alabama deeply appreciates Senator Britt’s commitment to sustaining and strengthening this lifeline for medical progress.
At UAB, under the leadership of Dr. David G. Standaert, Chair of the Department of Neurology, NIH funding supports pioneering Parkinson’s research that is transforming both clinical care and scientific understanding.
Through partnerships between UAB and the Parkinson Association of Alabama, patients are being connected to world-class specialists, cutting-edge therapies, and local support resources that make a tangible difference in their lives.
These collaborative efforts advance deep brain stimulation therapies, explore neuroprotective treatments, and improve quality of life for patients and caregivers across Alabama.
The Parkinson Association of Alabama firmly believes that Senator Britt’s continued advocacy for NIH research funding represents a critical investment in our state’s health, innovation, and future.
By ensuring that diseases like Parkinson’s are not overlooked, she is helping UAB researchers accelerate discoveries that have both local and national impact. Federal funding is far more than numbers on a budget sheet-it represents hope, progress, and the promise of a cure for thousands of Alabama families facing Parkinson’s disease.
As advocates, patients, and families, the Parkinson Association of Alabama urges Congress to maintain and expand NIH funding that supports Parkinson’s disease research at UAB. The work being done here has the potential to improve patient outcomes, foster innovation, and position Alabama as a national leader in neurological research and care.
Leaders like Senator Britt, who prioritize medical research and innovation, make this progress possible-and for that, Alabama’s Parkinson’s community is deeply grateful.
The time to act is now. Supporting Parkinson’s research through sustained NIH investment is not just an investment in science-it is an investment in the health, hope, and future of Alabama’s communities.
Bibby Bailey is the CEO and Executive Director of Parkinson’s Association of Alabama.
