Ensuring the best available medical care for our members was one of the primary purposes for the formation of our organization 60 years ago, and it continues to be one of our highest priorities. Activities to support this effort include: valuable research accounting for close to $60 million; creation and sponsorship of three organizations of professionals who devote most of their time to spinal cord care (the American Paraplegia Society, the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Psychologists and Social Workers, and the American Association of Spinal Cord Injury Nurses); continuous advocacy for adequate funding for medical care through appropriate government bodies and agencies.
As reported elsewhere in this publication, the annual conference of the three associations we support was held early last month. This is the largest spinal cord injury (SCI) conference in North America. Its primary purpose is to provide a forum for SCI health care professionals to dialogue and update each other on the latest scientific and technological advances in the field of spinal cord medicine.
This annual educational endeavor has been held for over 20 years. The associations’ members-physicians, nurses, psychologists and social workers-have played an important role in driving the types of research initiatives that provide continued improvement in SCI medicine. They participate in clinical research and integrate findings into everyday care.
Too often the average person might assume that research is something that is best left to the politicians and scientists. However, that would be shortsighted. We as people with disabilities and as consumers can impact where research dollars go by advocating for the type of research that can benefit us most. The subject of stem cell research is sadly controversial with some folks. I say sadly because it is one area of research that has great potential for improving clinical care as well as leading us towards a cure. It is sad that politicians and scientists can’t agree on an avenue to promulgate this research. Stem cell research and support of pure science can help bring about change and improve the quality of life for persons with spinal cord injury/disease.
I encourage you and your families to support pure research; to monitor what is happening legislatively; and to be prepared to speak out about measures that would advance the science of spinal cord medicine and can improve our daily lives. Communicate with all your legislators – governors, state representatives, legislators – to let them know your stand on issues and the difference that specific legislative initiatives can make on the spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) population and society as a whole. Also, next time you see the word research, do not gloss over it – find out whether it can affect you in a positive way and do what you can to support it.
Be well. Be as active as you can be.
Clair Russell Hesselton, PhD
President
