ASAP Goes to Washington

ASAP VP, Cathi Hyde and Marketing Manager, Lynne Leidy lobbied in Washington on February 14 on behalf of Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA), a national advocacy group that promotes research for migraine disease. The effort, called Headache on the Hill, was aimed at garnering congressional support to sponsor a bill to fund much-needed research for migraine treatment and the management of migraine-related pain.  The ASAP duo were accompanied by neurologist, Robert E. Shapiro, M.D., Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in headache treatment. Migraine sufferers endure significant pain and have surprisingly few treatment options that do not include the prescription of opioid medications.  Prescription opioid use carries risks for addiction, transition to heroin use and overdose.  The proposed bill will fund investigations into alternative treatments that do not call for opioids. Cathi, Lynne and Dr. Shapiro made their case to the Honorable Andy Harris. Congressman Harris represents Maryland’s first congressional district. He is a member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations. Congressman Harris, a physician himself, welcomed the contingent to his office and shared in a far-reaching discussion of the problem and its potential solutions.  ASAP is proud to play a role in making a difference in the lives of pain patients and thanks Congressman Harris and Dr. Shapiro for making it possible.