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PDF | Neuroscience Initiative Endorsed by Chair of National Drug Court Association

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Neuroscience Initiative Endorsed by Chair of National Drug Court Association.

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WASHINGTON, Nov. 21, 2011 -- /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), the lead House Democrat on Science related appropriations, has gained the strong support from the head of the nation's leading drug court organization for the Fattah initiative that coordinates and upgrades neuroscience research, including research on drug abuse and treatment. The Fattah initiative, which won bipartisan support, calls on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop a coordinated approach for Federal neuroscience investments. The initiative - included in legislation signed into law last week by the President - will probe the developmental stages of the brain; the lasting effects of mild to severe brain injury, degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, the prevention and treatment of stroke and how neuroscience can aid in the prevention of drug addiction. Judge Robert Rancourt, a Minnesota drug court jurist who Chairs the National Association of Drug Court Professionals located in Alexandria, Virginia, said, "I applaud Congressman Fattah's leadership and vision to continue comprehensive neuroscience research. I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of drug abuse and addiction on the brain. Drug abuse changes brain structure and function and can lead directly to harmful behaviors which impact public safety. Rancourt continued, "As I saw when I presided over a juvenile Drug Court in my jurisdiction, adolescent exposure to drugs can have profound and lasting impacts on brain development. Congressman Fattah's initiative will not only further the implementation of science-validated drug use prevention but will help us to develop more effective addiction treatment." The efforts under the Fattah neuroscience initiative provide hope for millions experiencing brain damage and dysfunction. For the military member experiencing traumatic brain injury, the athlete suffering from a concussion, stroke victims unable to respond, Alzheimer patients not capable of remembering, or students struggling to find their successful learning style, the initiative's coordinated research will mean new hope for old disorders. The Fattah initiative has received the backing of Dr. Stan Prusiner, winner of the 1997 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine and Dr. James Kelly, Director of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE). The NICoE provides cutting edge treatment and research for wounded worriers and their families dealing with traumatic brain injury. Congressman Fattah is a member of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force and the Neuroscience Caucus. He is the senior Democrat on the House Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice, Science and related agencies, which includes the National Science Foundation and other agencies that fund federal neuroscience research. SOURCE Office of Congressman Chaka Fattah