Advocacy

Last updated on September 8, 2023.

  • The New Mexico Roadmap to Address Dementia and Brain Health: Input Requested!
    by Bob

    The New Mexico Roadmap to Address Dementia and Brain Health 2026-2031 draft is now available for public review at New Mexico Roadmap to Address Dementia and Brain Health 2026-2031. This work by the Aging and Long-Term Services Department (ALTSD) may affect many in the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders community.

    The Parkinson’s connection is recognized by

    Objective 3.4: By December 2028, incorporate Parkinson’s disease considerations into relevant dementia-related policies, funding opportunities, and program guidance where service needs overlap, including caregiver support and evidence-informed therapeutic activities.

    Your input will be important to the process. Please fill out the survey at Roadmap to Address Dementia and Brain Health Public Comment Survey.

    Also, ALTSD is holding a series of meetings around New Mexico; several are online. Detailed meeting dates can be found in their flyer:

    NM-Dementia-and-Brain-Health-Roadmap-FlyerDownload
  • Inaugural meeting: National Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services
    by Bob

    Join the Advisory Council’s First Meeting!

    June 29, 2026
    10:00 AM–4:00 PM ET

    On July 2, 2024, President Biden signed the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act into law. This law calls for an integrated national plan to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure Parkinson’s, ameliorate symptoms, and slow or stop progression.  This plan will include not only Parkinson’s Disease but will also encompass all other neurodegenerative Parkinsonisms, such as multiple system atrophy, corticobasal degeneration, progressive supranuclear palsy, and Parkinson’s-related dementia.   

    This National Plan to End Parkinson’s will be developed with input from the Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services (ACPRCS), which includes people living with Parkinson’s, caregivers, health care providers, researchers, advocacy organizations, and representatives from federal agencies. 

    https://www.ninds.nih.gov/current-research/trans-agency-activities/national-plan-end-parkinsons

    The inaugural meeting of the Advisory Council on Parkinson’s Research, Care, and Services will be held on Monday, June 29th from 10AM — 4:00PM ET. The meeting will be webcast live on HHS Live Streaming.

    At this meeting, NIH/HHS will introduce and swear in a slate of Advisory Council members, federal agencies will provide an overview of Parkinson’s programs, and the Advisory Council will strategize on their initial workplan.

  • Summary of 2026 NM Legislative Session
    by Bob

    have compiled a summary and current status of relevant legislation for the NM 2026 Legislative Session.

    Many of our issues are part of the broader needs of the state.

    There is interest, among constituents and providers, in visiting the need to annually request funds for the Comprehensive Movement Disorder Clinic (CMDC) at UNM. It would be wise to secure recurring, non-reverting funds.The isn’t for us to pursue on our own but to support the CMDC as part of UNM Hospital. 

    Special thanks to for attending the AAUW luncheon, tracking various bills and writing this report.

    NM 2026 Legislative Summary for Parkinsons (v2)Download
  • Make your voice heard in New Mexico!
    by PeggyS

    This post is prepared as background information to inform members of our community who might wish to speak to their elected officials and other interested parties about the challenges faced by people with Parkinson’s Disease and their care partners.

    You can MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

    Table Of Contents

    The Nene and Jamie Koch Comprehensive Movement Disorder Clinic (CMDC) at UNM

    As members of the Parkinson’s community, we rely on the Comprehensive Movement Disorder Center (CMDC) for the excellent care that it provides. We greatly appreciate the legislature’s ongoing support for the CMDC.

    1. Please continue the funding from the state for the Nene and Jamie Koch Comprehensive Movement Disorder Clinic and,
    2. Consider memorializing support for CMDC as a permanent allocation going forward, so there is certainty for people like us who benefit from having this Center here in New Mexico.
    3. Here are two key contacts, but you should also contact your own legislators.

    Email or Call your State Legislators
    Find your representatives using the Find My Legislator tool.

    The ASK: “Renew funding for the Nene and Jamie Koch Comprehensive Movement Disorder Clinic “

    Interstate Compacts for Healthcare Professionals

    Please support New Mexico’s full participation in all of the interstate compacts for healthcare professionals. This is the first, small, necessary first step in extending healthcare access to every person in New Mexico.

    A very useful resource is the report from Think New Mexico.

    Email or Call your State Legislators
    Find your representatives using the Find My Legislator tool.

    The ASK: “Please vote YES to approve joining all of the interstate healthcare compacts”

    Medical Liability Reform

    We absolutely agree that anyone who has been harmed by the medical system here in NM should receive the care and compensation that they need. However, the current system is out of balance and liability reform is needed.

    Joining the compacts is only one step to improving the climate for medical care in New Mexico.

    A very useful resource is the report from Think New Mexico.

    Environmental Issues

    With environmental action uncertain at the federal level, now is a good time to have a conversation here in New Mexico about how to limit our exposure to environment agents known to harm the nervous system, contributing to Parkinson’s Disease, other neurological conditions, and cancer.

  • Contact your Representatives!
    by Bob

    US Senate

    US House of Representatives

    NM Senate and House

    To contact your NM Senator or Representative, visit the State Legislature’s Find my Legislator page.