In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Florida State Senator Alexis Calatayud (District 38) to discuss a massive, historic legislative victory for the neurodegenerative disease community.

Senator Calatayud championed SB 1800 (The Parkinson's Disease Research Act), a landmark piece of legislation that passed alongside its companion House bill to officially establish the Consortium for Parkinson's Disease Research within the University of South Florida.

This historic package brings together public and private state universities, researchers, and academic medical centers into a collaborative powerhouse. By pooling resources and medical expertise, Florida is firmly establishing itself as a premier national hub for neurodegenerative health, innovative therapies, and the ongoing fight for a cure.

In this episode, we discuss:
- The inspiration behind SB 1800 and what it took to build bipartisan momentum.
- How the new Consortium will transform medical research, study genetic origins, and accelerate therapeutic treatments.
- The critical inclusion of research regarding Parkinson's prevalence among first responders.
- What this massive win means for Florida patients, caregivers, and the future of healthcare policy.

Connect with Senator Alexis Calatayud
- Website: https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/S38
- Instagram: @Alexis_Calatayud

In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Jessi Keavney, a dedicated Parkinson's advocate and member of the National Council. Jessie shares her powerful perspective on the current landscape of policy advocacy, and the critical importance of community engagement in driving legislative change. Tune in to hear her insights on what the future holds for Parkinson's research, care access, and policy reform.

In this video, we cover:

- Jessie’s personal journey in carrying pathogenic Parkinson’s genes and her path to becoming a policy advocate.
- The current legislative priorities for the Parkinson's community.
- How individuals and families can get involved in advocacy and policy work.

The first ever meeting of the federal Advisory Council on Parkinson's Research, Care, and Services was recently held to guide the National Plan to End Parkinson's. The council's goals are to improve Parkinson's disease diagnosis, prevent the disease, and support care partners. Advocacy groups are pushing for fast action. We give our recap of this important discussion.