My Vote

There are currently more than 600 identified neurological diseases, including well-known disorders such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.  Problems in motor skills such as speaking, swallowing, walking, breathing, and learning are seen in many disorders of the nervous system (Medline Plus, n.d., Neurologic Diseases). 

According to to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2006), "examples of population level interventions that prevent neurological disorders or disabilities include laws requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets, laws against drunk driving, public health policies to provide better prenatal care and folic acid fortification of the food supply" (p. 102). 

Based on these statistics, I believe that neurological disorders affect many Americans and their families.  In the past, research has proven to be valuable in reducing the incidence of these types of conditions.  Therefore, I deem continued research important not only to those who are already affected by neurological disorders, but for future generations as well.  I would vote "yes" for the National Neurological Diseases Surveillance System of 2011, or S.425.