CARE Act for Tourette Syndrome Reintroduced by NJ Congressman Albio Sires

BAYSIDE, N.Y., May 29, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The national Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) is actively garnering support for the passage of a critical bill, the Collaborative Academic Research Efforts (CARE) for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2014 (H.R. 4221). The CARE Act represents an exciting opportunity for the entire TS community—calling on our government to stimulate research to increase the understanding of and improve treatments for Tourette Syndrome. The TSA is collaborating with the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) to ensure that this initiative receives sponsorship across the country.

Originally introduced by NJ Congressman Albio Sires in December 2011, with a Companion Bill introduced in the Senate by NJ Senator Robert Menendez shortly thereafter, the CARE Act would amend the Public Health Service Act to expand, intensify and coordinate the programs and activities of the National Institutes of Health with respect to scientific and clinical research into Tourette Syndrome. The CARE Act does not authorize any incremental funding for TS, but rather reallocates existing funds towards new programs to more effectively research and collect data on TS.

"I am pleased that the national Tourette Syndrome Association has joined with the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome on the legislative effort to move forward the Collaborative Academic Research Efforts for Tourette Syndrome Act of 2014," said Congressman Sires. "I introduced H.R. 4221 to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by Tourette Syndrome through enhanced research efforts on the cause and cure for Tourette Syndrome."

The Act would also require the NIH to award grants and contracts to academic, healthcare and other institutions to support the establishment of four to six Collaborative Tourette Syndrome Research Centers in different regions of the country. These centers will host high level, concerted, scientific and clinical research into TS and related disorders.

Lastly, it would facilitate the collection of important data on various aspects of TS which can be used to provide a better understanding of the disorder, and assist with the development of programs and strategies aimed at advancing the TS research agenda.

"Similar government mandates have led to critical advances in other disorders. We believe the CARE Act will have significant impact in the field of TS," said Annetta Hewko, TSA President. "Imagine the breadth and depth of TS research projects that could already be underway if these Collaborative Tourette Syndrome Research Centers existed today! That is why we are committed to engaging TSA members across the country."

Back in 2000, when Congress was debating the Children's Health Act, the TSA lobbied successfully on behalf of its members for federal support of TS. This is another opportunity to make a significant difference, now and in the future, in the lives of individuals affected by this disorder.

"With the continued growth of the TS Congressional Caucus and the addition of the CARE Bill to our agenda, we have more potential than ever to influence legislation and invigorate research to support our community," said Michael Wolff, Chairman of the Board, TSA.

"We are pleased that TSA has joined with us to create national awareness of this New Jersey initiated federal legislation that will ultimately make a difference in so many lives.  We along with families from across our state and across the nation are grateful to Congressman Sires and Senator Menendez for their many years of advocacy on behalf of kids and families living with Tourette Syndrome," said Faith W. Rice, NJCTS Executive Director.

The TSA is urging members to write to their local elected officials asking them to support the bill, with concerted efforts to do so during national Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, May 15 through June 15.

About the national Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.

Marked by involuntary vocalizations and movements called tics, Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurological condition frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Founded in 1972, the national Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) is celebrating its 42^nd year as the only national, voluntary health organization for people with Tourette Syndrome. The TSA strives to improve the lives of individuals and families living with TS by providing education, service and support, promoting research and advocating on behalf of the whole TS community.  The TSA directs a network of 33 Chapters and more than 55 independent support groups across the country. For more information on TS, call 1-888-4-TOURET, visit http://tsa-usa.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders Inc.

For more information about the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, established in 2004 as the nation's first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, call 908-575-7350, visit http://njcts.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Inquiries:
Tracy Colletti Flynn
National Tourette Syndrome Association
[email protected]

SOURCE Tourette Syndrome Association