Champions of Medical Research Honored at Capitol Hill Event

WASHINGTON, September 24, 2009 – The American Heart Association commends the Geoffrey Beene Foundation for launching a new public service campaign that intends to build a broader base of support for research as a national priority.  With an innovative approach, the “Rock Stars of Science” campaign honors researchers dedicated to finding cures for heart disease and stroke and other chronic illnesses that impact millions of Americans and their loved ones.

 Leading medical researchers and Members of Congress today discussed recent scientific breakthroughs and efforts to make science a career choice for the next generation during the “Rock Stars of Science” event on Capitol Hill.  The program also featured remarks by National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Francis Collins, M.D.  The association supports a significant increase in federal funding for research supported by NIH to accelerate the identification of treatment and cures for heart disease and stroke. 

“The Rock Stars of Science campaign has raised the importance of medical research to new heights by shining a spotlight on brilliant researchers who have brought us closer to cures for deadly diseases,” said Clyde W. Yancy, M.D., President of the American Heart Association.  “These individuals deserve public recognition for utilizing their star talents in research facilities across the country.”  The association encourages Americans to sign the campaign’s online petition at www.rockstarsofscience.org, to increase awareness among our nation’s leaders about the need to find cures for diseases that threaten our future. 

Investment in biomedical research is a critical component of health care reform.  The association’s principles for health reform include the support of biomedical and health services research and increased funding for the NIH.  Heart disease and stroke research supported by the NIH has revolutionized patient care with new drugs and medical devices such as pacemakers and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) that have saved lives and improved quality of life.

Nearly 81 million Americans are affected by heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, the nation’s costliest disease and leading cause of death. Public investment in biomedical research has contributed to a significant decline in heart disease and stroke mortality over the last three decades.  For more information, visit www.americanheart.org.
 

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                 Suzanne Ffolkes                
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