Advocacy Update – Aug 2024: Help Shape the Legislative Landscape for the Mito Community Through Survey, UMDF Action Items

In a few weeks, we’ll join other mitochondrial disease-focused patient advocacy groups across the globe in marking World Mitochondrial Disease Week, September 16-22, 2024. It’s a time when we can promote understanding and recognition with the hope that increased awareness, attention, and funds will move the needle toward effective treatments and cures for the entire mito community.

As part of the week, we’ll host our annual UMDF Virtual Capitol Hill Day, where patients, caregivers, and supporters from across the country will connect with their congressional offices to talk mito – ranging from medical nutrition and the mito caucus to genetic testing and telehealth.

Even if you aren’t participating, there are other ways to let your voice be heard:

  1. Go to UMDF Advocacy Action Center at umdf.org/advocacy to find opportunities to talk with Congress about joining the Mitochondrial Disease House Caucus or supporting the Medical Nutrition Equity Act. Simply enter your name and address and with the click of a button you’ve advocated for our community.  
  2. If you’re a mito caregiver or affected patient, take our Telehealth survey. We’ll use the results to advocate for a permanent telehealth extension on our Virtual Capitol Hill Day. Your words may help ensure telehealth remains accessible for everyone in America.  

If advocacy isn’t for you, you can still spread the word online about World Mitochondrial Disease Week! Visit our WMDW blog online for shareable social content, a full calendar of events, and much more.

Events Surrounding World Mitochondrial Disease Week, September 16 – 22, 2024

TK2d Tuesday – Sept. 10
UMDF’s Ask the Mito Doc: Understanding Genetic Testing – Sept. 12, 7:30pm-8:30pm ET
CHOP’s 5th Annual Mitochondrial Education Day – Sept. 16, 9am-3:30pm ET
UMDF Virtual Capitol Hill Day – Sept. 17
LHON Awareness Day – Sept. 19
CHOP’s 5th Annual Next Generation Therapeutics Virtual Panel – Sept. 20, 10am-12pm ET
FDA Listening Meeting on Genetic Therapy Treatments – Sept. 20, 11am-4:30pm ET
Global Light Up for Mito – Sept. 21