The Prevention, Awareness, and Research of Autoimmune Diseases Act of 2008 (H.R. 7078) was introduced to Congress by Representative Patrick J. Kennedy (RI) on September 25, 2008.

AARDA applauds Rep. Patrick Kennedy for his stance on autoimmune disease. His bill would increase public awareness of and research on autoimmune diseases in order to help patients get diagnosed more quickly and receive proper treatment as soon as possible, as well as improve the quality of life for those already suffering from autoimmune diseases.

The bill also targets minority communities that may be underserved or disproportionately affected. It also especially targets women who are affected three times as often as men. 

Research on environmental triggers of autoimmune diseases, such as heavy metals, phthalates, and pharmaceuticals, some of which are known to "trigger" the initiation of autoimmune disease in genetically predisposed individuals, is also included.

The bill also calls for grants for education of health care providers on potential links between autoimmune diseases and cognitive and mood disorders, such as depression. A loan repayment program to qualified physicians who agree to conduct three years of autoimmune disease research is also part of the bill.

It is important for us to build support of H.R. 7078.  Please call or email your Representatives and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 7078. Ask them to support this because it is important to you. Tell them about your involvement with autoimmune disease and tell why early diagnosis and research will make a difference in your life, or your family's life.  Close by saying, "As a constituent, I would like to ask for your support by signing on as a cosponsor." Ask them to work with Rep. Patrick Kennedy's office to ensure passage of this legislation.

To find your Representative, click on "Find Your Representative " located on this page. A generic sample letter is also provided. Contact by email and by phone is preferred. Postal mail normally takes a month or more to be delivered to legislative offices.

Here are some facts that you may want to include in your correspondence:

--According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there are 23.5 million Americans who suffer from autoimmune diseases, and the prevalence of these diseases is rising.

--The NIH estimateds that annual direct health care costs for these diseases are in the range of $100 billion dollars.

--Women are affected three times as often as men.

--Autoimmune disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in children and in women under age 65.

--Certain environmental agents play a clear role in triggering the autoimmune response in individuals who are predisposed to develop autoimmune disease. This role needs more study.