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Advocacy and Public Policy

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy (FPN) works to support public policies that benefit people with peripheral neuropathy. Advocacy and public policy work are important for advancing research into finding new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for peripheral neuropathy. FPN advocates for federal and state legislation as well as regulatory actions that will eventually benefit you. We are working to ensure you have access to high-quality, affordable, evidence-based care and treatments.

Our Policy Targets

The Foundation works with key stakeholders to help shape legislation and regulations that impact people with peripheral neuropathy. While priority issues vary from year to year, our main focus is advancing research on peripheral neuropathy. We support efforts to increase the federal investment in research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Department of Defense (DoD), in order to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and management of peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral Neuropathy Research at DoD

In 2020, Congress for the first time included “peripheral neuropathy” as an eligible condition for study through a $370 million fund administered by the DoD known as the “Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP).” This important breakthrough was a direct result of the nationwide advocacy of the peripheral neuropathy community. This accomplishment will allow our research community to apply for funding from a federal program to which they previously did not have access. The PRMRP is specifically focused on high-risk, high-reward research that will lead to new, tangible outcomes such as new therapeutics and treatments. Every year, Congress determines the conditions that are eligible for study through the PRMRP by listing them in the Senate version of the annual Defense Appropriations Act. However, conditions are not automatically renewed year-to-year, and advocacy is required every year to ensure that members of Congress remain supportive. FPN is working closely with senators to ensure that peripheral neuropathy is once again included in the Defense Appropriations Act that will be considered by Congress this year (for fiscal year 2022 funding). To learn more about the importance of maintaining the designation of peripheral neuropathy in the PRMRP, download this fact sheet. Learn how to contact your own representatives. Because of the importance of this research to the veterans’ community, the request to include peripheral neuropathy in the PRMRP has been endorsed by the Vietnam Veterans of America and the Veterans for Common Sense.

How Can You Get Involved?

Advocacy is speaking out on issues that you care about or offering your opinion and suggestions for how to improve something to the people who are in control. It is important for policymakers to hear directly from you about your experiences. You can take several steps toward advocating for increased research funding for peripheral neuropathy. Contact your senators today and ask them to ensure that peripheral neuropathy is maintained as an eligible condition in the PRMRP. Download a sample letter here.

FPN's Resource Library

The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy is the leader in providing resources to patients, caregivers, and physicians.

FPN’s Resource Library contains educational brochures, newsletters, transcripts and videos that cover many topics from treatments to research updates to the numerous causes of peripheral neuropathy.

We hope that you find our Resource Library to be of help to you and your loved ones.