COPY/PASTE/EMAIL THIS LETTER TO SEN. CORNYN’S STAFFER: jeffrey_last@cornyn.senate.gov
NOTE THE SUBJECT LINE TO INCLUDE
ATTACH A COPY OF THE DEAR COLLEAGE LETTER
NOTE AN AREA TO ADD YOUR TOURETTE STORY
SIGN YOUR NAME
Please COMPLETE by May 7
SUBJECT LINE: FY 25 TOURETTE RESEARCH DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER
Dear Jeffrey:
The Tourette Association of America is working with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) on building support for the annual Dear Colleague funding letter for the Tourette Syndrome Public Health Education and Research Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A copy of that letter is attached.
In 2000, Congress passed the Children’s Health Act that authorized the Tourette Syndrome Public Health Education and Research Outreach Program at CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. This program was created to increase recognition and diagnoses of TS, decrease the stigma attached to the disorder, and facilitate appropriate, effective treatments to those with TS. The program continues to address the education and training of physicians, allied healthcare workers, and education professionals to ensure proper and timely diagnosis and treatment of children with Tourette Syndrome. Evaluation data from the program demonstrate that it is effectively providing new information and achieving its goal.
Support for this program has always been strongly bipartisan and this year’s request is a continuation of the annual $2.5 million (we are not seeking an increase in FY 25).
ADD ANY PERSONAL STORY HERE REGARDING TS.
We would appreciate it if Senator Cornyn would sign onto this letter. Thank you, and if you have any questions, please contact Laura Bain in Senator Gillibrand’s office (laura_bain@gillibrand.senate.gov).
Best regards,
YOUR NAME
COPY/PASTE/EMAIL THIS LETTER TO SEN. CRUZ’S STAFFER: natalie_chansolme@cruz.senate.gov
NOTE THE SUBJECT LINE TO INCLUDE
ATTACH A COPY OF THE DEAR COLLEAGE LETTER
NOTE THERE IS AN AREA TO ADD YOUR TOURETTE STORY
SIGN YOUR NAME
Please complete by May 7
SUBJECT LINE: FY 25 TOURETTE RESEARCH DEAR COLLEAGUE LETTER
Dear Natalie:
The Tourette Association of America is working with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) on building support for the annual Dear Colleague funding letter for the Tourette Syndrome Public Health Education and Research Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A copy of that letter is attached.
In 2000, Congress passed the Children’s Health Act that authorized the Tourette Syndrome Public Health Education and Research Outreach Program at CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. This program was created to increase recognition and diagnoses of TS, decrease the stigma attached to the disorder, and facilitate appropriate, effective treatments to those with TS. The program continues to address the education and training of physicians, allied healthcare workers, and education professionals to ensure proper and timely diagnosis and treatment of children with Tourette Syndrome. Evaluation data from the program demonstrate that it is effectively providing new information and achieving its goal.
Support for this program has always been strongly bipartisan and this year’s request is a continuation of the annual $2.5 million (we are not seeking an increase in FY 25).
ADD ANY PERSONAL STORY HERE REGARDING TS.
We would appreciate it if Senator Cruz would sign onto this letter. Thank you, and if you have any questions, please contact Laura Bain in Senator Gillibrand’s office (laura_bain@gillibrand.senate.gov).
Best regards,
YOUR NAME
ATTACH BELOW AS A DOCUMENT TO BOTH EMAILS:
The Honorable Tammy Baldwin
Chairwoman
Senate Committee on Appropriations on
Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
The Honorable Shelly Moore Capito
Ranking Member
Senate Committee on Appropriations on
Labor, Health and Human Services,
Education, and Related Agencies
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Chairwoman Baldwin and Ranking Member Capito:
Thank you for your past support of the Tourette Syndrome Public Health Education and Research Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). We respectfully request that you include a $2.5 million appropriation at the enacted level for the program in the Fiscal Year 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Departments Appropriations Bill.
As you may know, Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a hereditary neurodevelopmental disorder that typically develops during childhood and persists into adulthood, making it a life-long condition for most individuals. The disorder affects children and adults in all racial and ethnic groups. The symptoms of this disorder are rapid, repeated, and involuntary movements and sounds called tics, which can range from mild to severe and disabling. People with TS often have other conditions, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). TS is an often misunderstood and stigmatized disorder that, along with other tic disorders, impacts as many as one in 50 school-aged children in the U.S. Tourette Syndrome can have a profound, negative impact on the quality of life of those who are affected. The cause of the condition is unknown. There is no cure and treatment options are very limited.
In 2000, Congress passed the Children’s Health Act that authorized the Tourette Syndrome Public Health Education and Research Outreach Program at CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. This program was created to increase recognition and diagnoses of TS, decrease the stigma attached to the disorder, and facilitate appropriate, effective treatments to those with TS. The program continues to address the education and training of physicians, allied healthcare workers, and education professionals to ensure proper and timely diagnosis and treatment of children with Tourette Syndrome. Evaluation data from the program demonstrate that it is effectively providing new information and achieving its goal.
We thank you and commend you for your leadership in ensuring ongoing federal commitment to the improvement of health and expansion of research, education, and prevention of diseases and disorders.
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