Mary Woolley's Message to Researchers

Dear Research!America Member,

The Research!America Executive Committee met today to discuss the critical importance of our alliance’s advocacy in the face of (1) uncharted political waters and (2) a disturbing sense of complacency and even resignation in the research stakeholder community. As evidenced by tonight’s developments the end game politics around the debt ceiling talks have escalated again. The President cited greater cuts to research as one of the consequences of a stand-off or default. Stakeholders in the research community cannot afford to be passive bystanders – yes it’s the weekend, but you must act now.

Decisions will be made soon. That is why it is critical to speak up now. You know and I know that researchers, research-based institutions, patients and their families and our nation’s economic future will all be worse off if Congress chokes off funding for health research.

• We can’t afford to lag other nations when it comes to R&D. Without research-fueled innovation, our economy will continue to sputter.
• We can't afford to stall progress against life-threatening and disabling diseases, biding our time as chronic conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autoimmune disorders, depression, PTSD and other health threats take a rapidly increasing human and fiscal toll.
• We can’t afford to dismantle the basic research infrastructure at universities, academic medical centers and independent research institutions across the country, hamstringing the U.S. R&D pipeline.

You and I know that whether the goal is to wage battle against diseases like Alzheimers or to ensure our nation remains competitive in the global economy, it is counterproductive and counterintuitive to divest from medical research. Now we must get that message across to Congress. Research!America is committed to providing advocacy tools to help you do just that. Attached are messaging points, a phone script for calls to members of Congress, and a draft petition you can circulate and send to your representatives. If Research!America can be helpful as you pursue any of these options, please don't hesitate to contact Ellie Dehoney at (571) 482-2717 or edehoney@researchAmerica.org.

If we keep fighting together, we will make a difference.

Sincerely,

Mary Woolley