NBCC Supports Efforts to establish an ARPA for Health
In a letter to House Energy & Commerce leadership, NBCC commented on the introduction of H.R. 5585, the ARPA-H Act and expressed its support for efforts to establish an ARPA-H, with certain caveats.
The bill authorizes the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) as a new research entity within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This legislation recognizes that to meet the ambitious goals set out for ARPA-H, it will take a system wholly different from the existing agencies and institutes in the public and private arenas.
NBCC believes that we must foster true innovation that pierces both technical and institutional barriers to create new capabilities and recognize new breakthroughs. We support the concept of a reimagined medical research entity, ARPA-H, but it should be modeled as close as possible to DARPA to be successful. Specifically, ARPA-H should:
This model is completely different from the government’s longstanding approach to disbursing grants for basic research, which successfully serves the vital goal of generating new knowledge. ARPA-H has the distinct purpose of applying knowledge. This requires that ARPA-H have the freedom to take bold approaches and tolerate failure to reap the benefits of new discoveries.
Take Action in the Action Center
We need your voice on Capitol Hill. You can show your support for the Metastatic Breast Cancer Access to Care Act (S.1312/H.R. 3183) by sending personalized messages to your Members of Congress. Visit the NBCC Action Center and urge your Members to cosponsor this lifesaving legislation with just a few clicks.
Upcoming Townhall Meetings Happening Near You
Attention Alabama and Washington advocates: representatives in your states will be holding upcoming town hall meetings. Townhall meetings are a great way to get your voice heard by your Members in the district. Whether virtual or in-person, townhalls offer an additional platform to get NBCC’s public policy priorities in front of legislators. The upcoming town hall meetings are listed below:
Alabama
On Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 6:30 pm CDT, Rep. Jerry Carl (R-01) will hold a telephone town hall meeting. Get more information here.
Washington
On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, at 2:00 pm PDT, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-05) will hold a telephone town hall meeting. Get more information here.
On Thursday, March 31, 2022, at 6:00 pm PDT, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-05) will hold a telephone town hall meeting. Get more information here.
Please let us know if you participate and what response you receive.
Register for the 2022 NBCC Advocate Leadership Summit
Registration and fundraising are now open for NBCC’s 2022 Advocate Leadership Summit.
NBCC’s Annual Advocate Leadership Summit provides unparalleled training and education for advocates who want to gain the knowledge and confidence necessary to challenge science and medicine and make a difference in our mission. These training sessions will give you the tools you need to take a leadership role in breast cancer advocacy.
Don’t forget to book your hotel room before April 8th to get NBCC’s special rate!
Following these training sessions, advocates can lobby on behalf of NBCC’s legislative and public policy priorities. Lobby day allows advocates to make an impact on Capitol Hill.
We can’t wait to see you in person! Register today and stay informed through our website.
Note: NBCC requires that all attendees of in-person programming must provide proof of being fully vaccinated and boosted (up to date vaccination per CDC definition). Attendees must also provide proof of a negative COVID test (home-based tests are acceptable, antigen or PCR) taken no more than 48 hours before the start of the event. As of now, masks will be required at the meeting.
Join Us
NBCC increases federal funding for breast cancer research, monitors how research funds are spent, expands access to quality health care, and ensures that trained advocates are able to influence all decisions affecting breast cancer. Join NBCC and thousands of others today by ensuring breast cancer remains a priority for Congressional and state policymakers. Join our efforts today.
