|
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan helps to preserve the rights and improve the quality of life of people with epilepsy and their families through our Advocacy programs, which include our grassroots Epilepsy Action Network, Annual Legislative Breakfast, Michigan Kids Speak Up!, and ongoing lobbying efforts.
Our Public Policy Agenda
MEDICATION SWITCHING BILLS
Michigan State Rep. John Espinoza and State Sen. John Gleason recently introduced HB 4408 and SB 318, respectively. These bills, if passed, would prevent pharmacists from switching medication for epilepsy, whether from brand to generic, generic to brand, or between products manufactured by different generic pharmaceutical makers, without the consent of the patient and the physician.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan has had a long-standing position opposing switching of medications because of the potential for unexpected seizures and side effects that patients and physicians continue to report. In an effort to get the word out on this matter, the Foundation has taken up an aggressive campaign to share with our consumers and legislators in Lansing the potentially dangerous affects of switching.
We made the switching issue the top priority at our Legislative Breakfast in May, and several state senators and representatives attended this function to show their support. We also continue to mobilize consumers at the grassroots level in an effort to join us in spreading the word. Some of these individuals even have first-hand experience in dealing with switching.
Here’s how you can help. Locate your local state representative and share with them your concerns about medication switching and your support for House Bill #4408 and Senate Bill #318. With your assistance, we’re certain that we can make a difference.
PRESERVE MICHIGAN’S MANDATORY MOTORCYCLE HELMET LAW
Reducing head injuries can reduce new cases of epilepsy.
MENTAL HEALTH PARITY
Mentally ill patients seeking treatment are discriminated against by requiring higher co-payments, allowing fewer doctor visits or days in the hospital, or requiring higher deductibles than imposed on other medical illnesses. This discrimination results from outdated misconceptions and the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.
Along with the Michigan Partners for Parity, the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan has been working hard to address this important issue. We encourage everyone to get involved. The first step you can take is to become more informed. To learn more, please download the Mental Health Parity documents.
For further information on who represents you, click here.
Our Advocacy Programs
EPILEPSY ACTION NETWORK
The Epilepsy Action Network is the Epilepsy Foundation's grassroots advocacy program. Through this program, individuals are made aware of important legislative issues and given guidance on how to shape the public policies that affect independence and quality of life for people with epilepsy. For more information, please contact our Vice President.
LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST AND MICHIGAN KIDS SPEAK UP!
The Foundation also sponsors an annual Legislative Breakfast each spring in Lansing. The purpose of the breakfast is to provide a forum for individuals affected by epilepsy to meet with their legislators and to discuss some of their public policy concerns. The Foundation updates attendees on our public policy recommendations and provides coaching to help them express their concerns. Priority issues for the breakfast often focus on access to health care, medication, physician specialists, and employment. Michigan Kids Speak Up!, which is held on the same day, provides an opportunity for children with epilepsy to voice their concerns and equips them with the knowledge and skills to do so effectively.
SPEAK UP SPEAK OUT
Use this tool to join our network of Speak Up Speak Out advocates. Becoming part of this growing grassroots advocacy group ensures that you are kept up-to-date on issues that affect the 100,000 people with epilepsy and their families living in Michigan.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan, in association with the national Epilepsy Foundation, is launching a nationwide petition drive as part of an effort to improve the lives of the three million American families affected by epilepsy. We hope you will join us and participate in this exciting campain. Sign the Petition.
Not another moment lost to seizures™
|
