Mindy Beyer (left) with fellow congenital heart disease survivor Peyton Bono (right)
Mindy Beyer of Scarborough joined cardiovascular disease patients, survivors, caregivers, health care providers and scientists from across the country in Washington, D.C., last Thursday to ask their elected representatives to support robust, sustained and predictable annual funding increases for the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The advocates are part of You’re the Cure, the national grassroots network of the American Heart Association, a global force for longer, healthier lives. Beyer was one of 10 advocates with the Association who united with more than 350 national organizations and institutions for the 11th Annual Rally for Medical Research.
Beyer and other volunteers urged their members of Congress to continue their steadfast support for NIH by providing the agency the highest possible increase to the NIH base budget in fiscal year (FY) 2024. The medical research community has recommended at least $51 billion and urges Congress to appropriate no less than the Senate mark of $49.22 million.
“As a heart disease survivor, I have seen firsthand the impact that medical research has on cardiovascular patients and those facing countless health challenges,” said Beyer. “As Congress continues to work on many important issues, I urge my representatives in Washington to support robust funding growth for the NIH in fiscal year 2024.”
The Rally for Medical Research initiative was launched in April 2013 to bring together the entire medical research community to urge Congress to make NIH funding a national priority. Through the annual Hill Day, the Rally for Medical Research continues to raise awareness about the critical need for continued investment in NIH to improve health, spur progress, inspire hope and save lives.
“We are fortunate that Mindy traveled to Washington to share her personal story with our elected representatives and put a face to the importance of robust funding for NIH research,” said Allyson Perron, the Association’s Government Relations Director for Maine and Massachusetts. “We hope the passion Mindy brought to Capitol Hill will move our lawmakers to support lifesaving research that leads to longer, healthier lives.”
Visit You’re the Cure to learn more about the Association’s national grassroots network and to get involved.