Psoriasis Foundation seeks congressional co-sponsors for landmark bill

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On behalf of millions of Americans with psoriasis, the National Psoriasis Foundation is calling on the public to support the first-ever comprehensive psoriasis legislation introduced in Congress. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Research, Cure and Care Act (PPARCCA) of 2007, also known as H.R. 1188, was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in February by Rep. David Wu, D-Ore.-1st, with bipartisan support. The bill, spearheaded by the Psoriasis Foundation, calls on the federal government to increase its investment in psoriasis research and to improve patient access to treatment. In February, the National Psoriasis Foundation and 100 volunteers traveled to Washington, D.C., to ask their members of Congress to support the bill. The accompanying video, produced by the Psoriasis Foundation, captures the emotional impact of the disease and the empowering experience of going to Capitol Hill. "With this groundbreaking legislation, we have the chance to put into law some of the steps that will bring us closer to a cure," said Sheila Rittenberg, advocacy director for the National Psoriasis Foundation. Long dismissed as a mere skin rash, psoriasis is a serious, chronic, noncontagious disease of the immune system that affects as many as 7.5 million Americans. Psoriasis appears as red, scaly lesions that can itch, crack and bleed. Some people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints. Recent studies have shown that psoriasis is a systemic disease associated with other serious medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. "Congress is beginning to understand the seriousness of psoriasis and that it warrants attention and resources from the federal government," said Rittenberg. "To reinforce this, we need the continued involvement of the public to speak out for this historic legislation." The Psoriasis Foundation makes it easy for people to voice support by linking them directly to their elected officials and providing sample messages to deliver. Any member of the public can make a difference by asking their representative to sign on in support of H.R. 1188. Click here to take action: www.capwiz.com/psoriasis/issues/alert/?alertid=9501591&type=CO. The National Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. For more information, call 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.