Barbara A. Mikulski
U.S. Senator for Maryland
Mikulski Introduces Resolution to Create Postal Stamp for Alzheimer's Research
May 10, 2011
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today introduced a resolution urging the United States Postal Service to issue a semipostal stamp to help raise money for Alzheimer’s research. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) is an original co-sponsor of the bill.
Congressman Ed Markey (D-Mass.) plans to introduce a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
“Finding new ways to treat Alzheimer’s should be a national priority,” Senator Mikulski said. “My father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and like all family members with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, I felt powerless. This disease harms patients and their families, and it strains our health care system.”
“More than 5.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, and by the year 2050, that number is expected to triple,” said Senator Cardin. “I believe Americans will welcome the opportunity to purchase a stamp whose proceeds will help fund much-needed research to end this devastating illness.”
Senator Mikulski is a member of the Senate Committee for Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and chairwoman of the Subcommittee for Children and Families, as well as chairwoman of the Appropriations Subcommittee for Commerce, Justice and Science, which funds NIH.
Every 70 seconds, someone in America develops Alzheimer’s. An estimated 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease – including one in eight people older than 65. The direct and indirect costs of Alzheimer’s and other dementias to Medicare, Medicaid and businesses amount to more than $183 billion each year. By 2050, this disease is likely to affect more than 11 to 16 million people 65 and older – unless we find a medical breakthrough.
Proceeds for the sales of the Alzheimer’s stamp would help fund Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). By paying more than the normal postage rate for the stamp, people would contribute directly to the search for a new treatment or a cure.