Several months ago I had the honor to be appointed to the New York State Spinal Cord Injury Research Board. Established through legislation passed in 1999, the Board consists of 13 individuals whose major function is to review proposals and award spinal cord research funds to scientists who apply for support of their research initiatives. Funding for the program is generated through a surcharge added to fines for certain motor vehicle moving violations.
This year, the scientific research peer reviewers had the opportunity to review 49 applications, which they graded and sent to the Board for funding. We were, in turn, able to approve 21 of the highest- rated proposals, for a total of almost $4 million. In addition, funding was authorized for ongoing studies approved in previous years. Last year, the Board approved a multi-year program for a center of spinal cord research, which consists of a grant of $3 million per year for 5 years.
While New York State’s program is the largest-up to $8.5 million appropriated by the legislature each year-there are 13 other states that have programs of varying sizes. In addition, nine states have considered legislation to establish spinal cord injury research programs. These programs are extremely important, particularly at a time when there is less money available from the federal government and private sources for spinal cord research.
In addition to the research efforts that the New York State program has funded, a study was commissioned which culminated in the recent publication of Spinal Cord Injury Research: Progress, Promise, Priorities. This publication provides current and future roadmaps for programs such as New York State’s. It also lists the states currently funding research boards and gives you some idea about the size of each program. To view or order this publication, visit www.nap.edu.
I urge you to take a few minutes to review the study and see if your state has a spinal cord research program. If so, do what you can to find out more about it and advocate for spinal cord research. If your state does not have a program, contact your state representatives and also let us know. We want to make sure that every state has a program and adequately funds it, and we need your help to make sure this happens. This source of funds is extremely important; it not only funds excellent research, but it attracts researchers to the area of spinal cord research.
Last month I talked about one of our long-term Board members, Carlos Rodriguez, who recently retired. This month, I want to acknowledge the long-term service of another Board member who also retired this year: Leo Maniace. A service-connected veteran, Leo served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 and was injured in combat in Vietnam. He served on our Board for 28 years; his devoted service has, therefore, been instrumental in providing continuity in our governance structure.
Leo is a staunch supporter of disabled veterans’ rights, particularly medical care. For many years, after undergoing some health challenges himself, Leo volunteered at the Bronx VA Hospital, providing encouragement and guidance to veterans who were experiencing some of the same difficulties he encountered. Leo made the decision not to run this year in order to pursue some personal goals. It is our hope that he will remain involved in some fashion, since he is not only a long-time friend, but can offer good insight into our operations. We wish Leo lots of luck in his endeavors, and thank him for 28 years of loyal and devoted service.
Gerard M. Kelly
Executive Director
