Bell, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Resolution Recognizing April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Gus Bilirakis (R-Fla.) re-introduced a bipartisan resolution recognizing April as Parkinson's Awareness Month. The resolution honors the more than one million Americans living with Parkinson's disease and calls for increased public awareness, federal research investment, and support for individuals and families affected by the condition.

"Parkinson's disease is a heartbreaking reality for far too many families," said Rep. Bell. "I'm proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Bilirakis because the patients and families impacted by this disease deserve to know that people are advocating for them. By publicly recognizing the scope of this disease, we are taking a step toward a better future for the families impacted- a future that includes earlier diagnosis, better patient care, and more funding for research and breakthroughs."

"Parkinson's disease is not just a diagnosis - it is a life-altering condition that impacts entire families and communities," said Rep. Bilirakis. "For too many Americans, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. This resolution ensures we elevate awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing research and care. Congress must continue working in a bipartisan manner to confront the challenges posed by Parkinson's disease. Together, we can improve quality of life for those affected today while driving progress toward a cure for tomorrow."

"The Michael J. Fox Foundation commends Representatives Bell and Bilirakis for spearheading this bipartisan effort to recognize the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson's and related diseases," said Dan Feehan, Chief Policy and Government Affairs Officer at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. "As we mark Parkinson's Awareness Month, we remain focused on accelerating the pace of discovery and ensuring broader access to high-quality care. That means sustaining and increasing federal investment in Parkinson's research, advancing efforts to better understand environmental contributors to disease, and fully implementing the National Parkinson's Project to keep driving progress. We've seen remarkable advances in Parkinson's research, and by working together, we can reach a cure even faster for the fastest-growing neurological disease in the U.S. and around the world."
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease that primarily affects motor function, but it can also lead to cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and mental health challenges. Roughly 90,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year, and that number is expected to rise as the population ages. The economic burden of the disease is estimated at more than $52 billion annually in the United States alone, including direct medical costs and indirect costs like missed work and caregiver time.

Reps. Bell and Bilirakis also introduced this resolution in 2025.