Every year, Parkinson’s disease affects more and more families across the United States. With over 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson’s and related disorders, now is the time to raise awareness, demand action, and advocate for meaningful change. The Parkinson’s National Day of Action on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, is your opportunity to do just that, and it only takes a few minutes to make a difference.
At the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC), we see firsthand the impact Parkinson’s has on individuals, families, and care partners. That’s why we are proud to join thousands of advocates nationwide to urge elected officials to prioritize policies that accelerate Parkinson’s research, protect brain health, and improve the lives of everyone affected.
During the National Day of Action, you can help by reaching out to your Members of Congress or state legislators by urging them to:
- Increase federal funding for Parkinson’s research. We are calling on Congress to support $600 million annually at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance prevention, earlier diagnosis, and disease-modifying treatments.
- Address environmental risk factors linked to Parkinson’s. This includes banning paraquat and supporting the HEALTHY BRAINS Act to expand federal research on toxic exposures and brain health.
- Ensure full implementation of the National Parkinson’s Project. Lawmakers must seat the Advisory Council and take steps to deliver required reports and investment estimates without delay.
- Prioritize Parkinson’s research and environmental protections at the state level. Local advocacy ensures that policymakers understand the real impact of Parkinson’s in our communities.
Advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. Just by sharing your story about how Parkinson’s disease has affected you, you have what it takes to make a difference. You don’t even need to leave your home:
- Send an email or letter to your Members of Congress.
- Call your Senators or Representatives using the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
- Share your story and advocate on social media using hashtags like #Act4PD.
- Contact your state legislators through their official websites or district offices. Click here for North Carolina legislators. Click here to find your South Carolina legislators.
Every message, call, and story matters. Personal experiences, whether you are living with Parkinson’s, caring for a loved one, participating in research, or are affected by environmental exposures, bring the urgency of our cause directly to lawmakers.
This Parkinson’s National Day of Action, your participation can help secure the research funding, policy action, and protections our community urgently needs. Together, we can make a real difference.
Take action today and be part of the movement!
Hello, my name is [Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State] and part of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) community. I’m calling to ask [Member] to support increased funding for Parkinson’s research at NIH, ensure full implementation of the National Parkinson’s Project, and urge the EPA to move forward with banning paraquat, which is linked to Parkinson’s disease.
[INSERT YOUR PERSONAL STORY HERE]
I want to also encourage the Member to prioritize Parkinson’s research and environmental protections in upcoming legislative sessions. The Parkinson’s community, and PAC, are paying attention and counting on your leadership.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Subject Line: Constituent Request: Prioritize Parkinson’s Funding
Dear [Senator/Representative] [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a constituent from [City, State] and a member of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) community.
I am writing to urge you to prioritize policies that support the more than 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. Parkinson’s affects individuals, families, and care partners in communities like mine every day.
Specifically, I ask that you:
- Support increased funding for Parkinson’s research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- Ensure full implementation of the National Parkinson’s Project
- Urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to move forward with banning paraquat, which has been linked to Parkinson’s disease
Continued investment in research and attention to environmental risk factors are critical to improving quality of life and advancing toward better treatments and ultimately a cure.
As someone connected to the Parkinson’s community through PAC, this issue is deeply important to me. Parkinson’s has impacted my [family member/friend/me] and [insert your story here].
I respectfully ask for your leadership in advancing these priorities.
Thank you for your time and your service to our community. I would appreciate knowing how you plan to support efforts that impact those living with Parkinson’s.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City, State]
[Optional: Phone Number or Email]
Post #1: Tag your Legislator
Hey @[Member] — Parkinson’s affects more than 1.2 million Americans, including members of my community through the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC). Please increase funding for Parkinson’s research at NIH. We need progress. #Act4PD
Post #2: Build Awareness
1.2 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s, and more are diagnosed every year. I’m proud to be part of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) community, and today we’re urging leaders to increase research funding and address environmental risk factors. Join me in taking action.
Post #3: National Day of Action
Today is Parkinson’s National Day of Action. I’m joining the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) and thousands of advocates across the country to call for more research, action on environmental risks, and better support for those living with Parkinson’s.
Take action with me.
Post 4: Tell Your Story
When we speak up, change happens. I’m proud to stand with the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) community today to advocate for people living with Parkinson’s, their families, and care partners.
Add your voice and take action.
[INSERT YOUR STORY HERE]
Post #5: Parkinson’s Awareness Month
This #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth, I’m taking action with the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) to support the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson’s. Join me for National Day of Action and make your voice heard.
Script 1 – Personal (Living with Parkinson’s)
Hi, I’m [Name], and I’m living with Parkinson’s. I’m also part of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) community.
This Parkinson’s Awareness Month, I’m asking Congress to increase funding for research, implement the National Parkinson’s Project, and take environmental risks seriously.
@[Member], I hope you’ll stand with PAC and the Parkinson’s community.
Script 2 – Care Partner
I’m a care partner for someone living with Parkinson’s, and I’m part of the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) community.
I see every day why research matters. Congress needs to increase Parkinson’s research funding at the NIH, implement the National Parkinson’s Project, and support efforts to protect us from environmental exposures like paraquat that increase risk.
We can’t wait and neither can the Parkinson’s community.
