There were 23 members in the group, including patients suffering from conditions such as trauma and osteogenesis imperfecta, advocating for the increase in NIH funding. The patients relayed stories about their conditions and the clinical research that made their treatment possible.
The federal funding for NIH currently supports more than 3,000 high-paying research positions at universities, research institutions and NIH laboratories, according to a letter sent to Congressional members. Musculoskeletal diseases can cost $850 billion to the economy annually and represent nearly 8 percent of the gross domestic product. Additional research and NIH funding could produce more efficient and cost-effective care.
Read the report on orthopedic research advocacy.
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