The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado & Wyoming is committed to serving the best interests of people with epilepsy, their family members and caregivers and proudly advocates:
- Funding for epilepsy programs, research, and a cure
- Policies that promote research and innovation
- Improving access to and coverage of quality care and essential services
- The protection of the rights of individuals with disabilities.
These broad goals guide both our federal and state advocacy activities.
Epilepsy Foundation Advocacy Priorities
We are working to secure more funding for a cure, support community-based programs for people living with epilepsy, eradicate stigma and discrimination, and protect patient access to medications and treatment. To learn more about our policy priorities, visit https://www.epilepsy.com/about-us/advocacy/advocacy-priorities.
Funding For Epilepsy Programs, Research, and a Cure
The Epilepsy Foundation supports funding increases for epilepsy research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH); epilepsy programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focused on building safer communities for people living with epilepsy; and promoting safety, efficacy and research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Access to Care
Timely access to appropriate care and effective coverage for epilepsy medications is a critical concern for people living with epilepsy, because epilepsy medications are the most common and most cost-effective treatment for controlling and/or reducing seizures. Individuals living with epilepsy who experience a delay in accessing their medication due to prior authorization and step therapy requirements, high cost-sharing, medication substitutions without physician and patient consent, and onerous drug monitoring requirements, are at a high risk for developing breakthrough seizures and related complications, including Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). Learn more about our advocacy on access to care issues, including:
Research and Innovation
Innovation is of particular importance to the nearly one million people living with epilepsy who don’t have their seizures under control and are seeking new treatments and a cure, as well as many Americans living with complex chronic and rare conditions that are not appropriately managed with current treatment options. Learn more.
Disability and Discrimination
Stigma surrounding epilepsy continues to fuel discrimination and isolates people with epilepsy from the mainstream of life. Despite great progress in recent years, epilepsy remains a formidable barrier to educational opportunities, employment, and personal fulfillment among older children and adults. Learn more about the Epilepsy Foundation’s disability and discrimination advocacy.