What is a National Plan for Epilepsy and What Would It Do? 

The Epilepsy Caucus Co-chairs, Senators Eric Schmitt (R-MO) & Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21) & Greg Murphy, MD (R-NC-03), recently reintroduced the National Plan for Epilepsy Act (S. 494/H.R. 1189). 

If passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, this bill would direct the federal government to develop a National Plan for Epilepsy to prevent, diagnose, treat, and cure the epilepsies and improve the well-being of people with epilepsy and their families. 

A National Plan for Epilepsy is needed to bring more attention, support, and resources to the entire epilepsy community. In carrying out the National Plan for Epilepsy, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) would oversee many initiatives, such as coordinating epilepsy research and services across the government, soliciting comments and considering consensus recommendations from collaborations in the epilepsy community, and carrying out an annual assessment of the nation’s progress on epilepsy. An Advisory Council of federal government and community representatives (e.g. people with epilepsy, family members, providers, biomedical researchers, and epilepsy-related nonprofit organizations) would be established to advise the Secretary on epilepsy-related issues and provide a report on recommended priority actions. Recommendations would focus on many important areas including: improving health outcomes and quality of life; fostering research and innovation for more treatments and cures; strengthening data and information systems; increasing public awareness about epilepsy and reducing stigma and discrimination; eliminating access to care disparities; reducing Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) and other epilepsy-related mortalities; and increasing access to specialized epilepsy care.

How Can YOU Help?

All of us - people living with epilepsy, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates - must work together to urge Members of Congress to cosponsor and pass the bill. Take action TODAY and ask your elected officials to support and cosponsor the National Plan for Epilepsy! If your elected official is already a sponsor, you will be able to send them a thank-you message instead. Use VoterVoice to quickly look up your members in both the House and Senate, personalize a message to each of them, and easily send the message – in just a few clicks!