On December 8, the House
Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health held a hearing
for the PH Research Act. The hearing, entitled Improving America's
Health: Examining Federal Research Efforts for Pulmonary Hypertension
and Chronic Pain, signifies another important step in moving the
PH Research Act towards a final vote.
PH Research Act advocates Congressman Brady and Congressman
Lantos began the hearing by each presenting their personal connections
to individuals who are battling PH and the importance of the PH
Research Act. PHA presented three key witnesses to testify before
the Subcommittee. Dr. Mark Gladwin of the National Heart, Lung
and Blood Institute (NHLBI) presented a medical description of
PH and made an impressive case for further medical research. He
also carried news of NHLBI's plans to expand PH research one of
the nation's most well respected federal health institutes. Carl
Hicks, the PHA Board Vice Chair for Advocacy, represented PHA
at the hearing. He shared the story of his daughter, Meaghan,
and her struggles in living with PH. Lastly, Charity Sunshine
Tillemann-Dick spoke of her experience as a PH patient and pleaded
with the Subcommittee members to support the PH community through
the PH Research Act.
After the testimony, Subcommittee Chairman Deal opened the proceedings
to questions. During this time, Subcommittee members expressed
interest in learning more about PH, the PH Research Act, and publicly
funded PH research at NHLBI. Many Subcommittee members noted their
enthusiasm with the hearing. "Thank you for doing what hearings
should be about - educating Members of Congress," Subcommittee
member Congresswoman Capps noted.
The PH Research Act, which has 241 supporters in the House and
growing and broad bipartisan support, seeks to expand PH research
at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) which
is part of the National Institutes of Health. The Act will also
establish three "Centers of Excellence" which will conduct research,
training for scientists and health professionals, continuing education
for medical professionals, and disseminate information to the
public on PH. Finally, the Act will establish a PH data system
and clearinghouse at the NHLBI.
read Dr. Mark Gladwin's
testimony
read Carl Hicks' testimony
read Charity Sunshine Tillemann-Dick's testimony
view hearing webcast
