Maryland to Become Leader in Stem Cell Research
United Spinal Association, a national membership organization for persons with spinal cord injuries and disorders, applauds Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich’s announcement on March 29th, that he will sign the Maryland Stem Cell Research Act of 2006. The Governor’s announcement came shortly after the Maryland House of Delegates approved the measure, which will provide up to $15 million in grants next year for research involving stem cells, including those derived from embryos. This research has the potential to produce therapies and cures for diseases that may someday improve the lives of millions of Americans and reduce overall healthcare costs.
“United Spinal Association is grateful for Governor Ehrlich’s leadership in advocating state funding for stem cell research,” said Executive Director Gerard M. Kelly. “This legislation would fund cutting edge research that can speed progress toward curing paralysis and preventing the secondary complications of spinal cord injury. Upwards of 700,000 people in the United States have some type of spinal cord injury or disorder such as multiple sclerosis, and stem cell research has the potential to truly help improve the lives of these Americans.”
In response to the withdrawal of federal support for stem cell research, a number of states have initiated their own funding efforts. This new law will put Maryland at the forefront of that movement and, more important, enactment of this legislation will give hope to Americans with spinal cord injuries or disorders that new treatments and cures may one day be discovered. California, Connecticut, Illinois, and New Jersey have approved state funding for stem cell research, although California’s initiative is stalled by lawsuits.
Kelly added, “We hope enactment of this legislation will demonstrate to the federal government the importance of public funding for pursuing promising research and maintaining a competitive advantage in the world of medical research.”
United Spinal Association has empowered people with spinal cord injuries or disorders for 60 years. The organization helped build the PVA–United Spinal Association Center for Neuroscience and Regeneration Research at Yale University in 1988 and they have contributed millions of dollars over the years to finding a cure for spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. United Spinal also provides significant annual funding to the Spinal Cord Damage Research Center at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center (named after the Association’s late executive director), where investigators study the impact of a spinal cord injury on other critical body systems. Membership in United Spinal is free and open to all people with spinal cord injuries or disorders.