ACTION ALERT
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Attention: TSA Members and Friends

During Tourette Syndrome National Advocacy Day & TSA's Trip to the Hill this coming Thursday, March 31st, please call your Members of Congress and urge them to add their signatures to the Congressional "Dear Colleague Letter" for fiscal year 2012, in support of Tourette Syndrome.
 
Back in 2000, Tourette Syndrome (TS) was referenced in the Children's Health Act (P.L. 106-310) and this was the first time that TS was ever mentioned by name in federal legislation. The Children's Health Act authorized a Public Health, Education and Research Program on TS at the CDC. However, each year the TSA must request appropriations from Congress to continue the program. The money goes towards raising public awareness about TS and training doctors and other allied professionals on how to recognize, diagnose, treat, and help people with Tourette Syndrome.

As you know, it has taken several decades of hard work to get to where we are now with awareness of TS. We cannot afford to lose the momentum of past progress or ease off in our efforts until misunderstanding and intolerance of the disorder no longer exist.
 
The next step is to Take Action:

There are two ways to send your message:     

1. We prefer you Call the US Capitol Switchboard on March 31st  between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST at 202-224-3121 and ask to be transferred, first, to your Congressional representative, and then to your Senators (be sure to call both Senators from your state).
 
2. Alternative option is to write to your Members through the TSA's Website- Action Alert. To quickly access, visit our Public Policy Section and click on Legislative Action, to where it says click here to Take Action, or log on directly to www.capwiz.com/tsa

 
Suggested Message to Congress:

Hello, I am calling as a constituent and a member of the national Tourette Syndrome Association to leave an important message with the Health Legislative Assistant of my Congress member (or Senator). (wait to be transferred).
 
(After being connected with your Representative’s Health Legislative Assistant):
Tourette Syndrome, or TS, is a complex genetic, neurological disorder that is greatly misunderstood by the public and frequently diagnosed incorrectly by doctors because it is often accompanied with serious impairments due to other disorders. I am strongly concerned about the proposed cuts to health programs because of its potential impact on the Tourette Syndrome Public Health, Education and Research Program at the CDC.
 
The support of Congress in funding this program for the past seven years has provided urgently needed training to doctors and other allied professionals on how to recognize, diagnose, treat, and help people with TS.  Unfortunately, the challenges of living with the disorder are so great, without a cure, it calls for a long term investment towards improving the lives of individuals with TS.
 
I thank you for acting on my behalf in Congress.  As you move forward with the budget for FY2012, please keep my family and all individuals living with TS in mind. I urge you to sign on to the Dear Colleague Letter in support of Tourette Syndrome.  In the House, you may contact Michael Grogan in Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy's Office or Jeffrey Last in Congressman Lance's Office. In the Senate, you may contact Ariel Simon in Senator Schumer's Office. Elridge Proctor at the TSA can also be reached to answer questions at 202-408-7009.