Hearing Set on Spinal Cord Injury Funding Boost – AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

Hearing Set on Spinal Cord Injury Funding Boost – AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

February 16, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Advocates for increased funding for spinal cord injury (SCI) research are converging on Washington D.C. On February 17, 2026, to engage directly with lawmakers. The effort includes a Congressional Briefing and scheduled meetings with 60 Representatives, bringing over 100 individuals to Capitol Hill.

A Push for National Coordination

The initiative is spearheaded by Unite 2 Fight Paralysis (U2FP), a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for those living with SCI. According to Jason Stoffer, Advocacy Director for U2FP, the goal is to “foster a strategic national programme to speed development of therapies for SCI.” This requires not only increased investment but also improved collaboration among policymakers, funders, insurers, scientists, and individuals affected by SCI.

The Scope of the Briefing

The Congressional Briefing will cover a range of topics related to SCI. These include the fundamental aspects of the injury and its associated clinical challenges, the current status of research efforts, the overall funding environment, and the potential of the Spinal Cord Injury Research programme (SCIRP) as a successful model. Policy options to lessen the economic impact of SCI and better support those living with it will also be discussed.

Did You Know? Invitations to the briefing have been extended to all Congressional members with oversight responsibilities for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Congressionally Directed Medical Research programme (CDMRP).

The briefing is sponsored by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Montana) and will feature presentations from SCI researchers Murray Blackmore, Ph.D., of Marquette University, and Jennifer Dulin, Ph.D., of Texas A&M. Randall McCafferty, M.D., a retired Air Force neurosurgeon, will also participate, alongside U2FP’s Jason Stoffer and Executive Director Matthew Rodreick.

Expert Insight: The coordinated effort to engage directly with Congressional representatives signals a strategic shift towards influencing policy through direct communication and the presentation of scientific data. This approach aims to move beyond simply requesting funding increases to fostering a more comprehensive and collaborative national strategy for SCI research.

Potential Next Steps

Following the February 17th meetings, Congressional members may propose legislation related to SCI research funding or programme development. Increased awareness among policymakers could also lead to greater scrutiny of existing funding allocations and a re-evaluation of priorities. Further briefings and advocacy efforts are likely to continue as U2FP pursues its goal of a coordinated national programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of the U2FP’s efforts?

The primary goal is to foster a strategic national programme to accelerate the development of therapies for spinal cord injury.

Who is sponsoring the Congressional Briefing?

The briefing is sponsored by Senator Tim Sheehy (R-Montana).

How many Congressional offices will U2FP representatives meet with?

U2FP representatives will meet with 60 Congressional offices.

What role could increased collaboration play in advancing SCI research?