Advocacy

Advocacy for Epilepsy Funding in Florida

EAFLA actively engages with the Florida Legislature and the Governor to emphasize the critical need for increased epilepsy funding. Our goal is to secure additional financial support for epilepsy treatments and programs, offsetting the diminishing funds from the Seatbelt Trust Fund. We are also working to identify new revenue sources within the State of Florida budget to replace the shrinking Seat Belt Trust Fund.

Federal Funding Priorities

In collaboration with the national Epilepsy Alliance America, our top priority programs for federal funding increases include:

Epilepsy Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Epilepsy Programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Research at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), focusing on the safety and efficacy of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and medical cannabis.

Improve Access to Epilepsy Care

Ensuring Affordable and Quality Epilepsy Care

EAFLA is committed to ensuring that people with epilepsy have access to high-quality and affordable medical care, medications, and treatments. We advocate for the needs of those with epilepsy in the implementation of insurance reforms under the Affordable Care Act. Our efforts include:

Promoting reasonable access to affordable epilepsy care in both public and private health insurance.
Supporting protections against discrimination based on health status in all insurance products, including provisions for pre-existing conditions like epilepsy.
Ensuring that doctor-prescribed medications are available and affordable.
Advocating for research and legislation to safely implement and access medical marijuana for epilepsy patients.

Promoting Epilepsy Awareness and Rights

EAFLA is dedicated to stopping stigma and discrimination against individuals with epilepsy. Our advocacy efforts focus on:

Promoting epilepsy-specific legislation to raise public awareness about epilepsy and seizures within the school system.
Advocating for epilepsy to be recognized as a disability by the State of Florida.
Prohibiting the use of restraints and seclusion for children with epilepsy in schools.
Promoting employment opportunities for people with epilepsy.
Supporting the full implementation of the ADA and other civil rights laws protecting the rights of those with epilepsy.

Capitol Day & Purple = Red + Blue Reception

Our annual Tallahassee-based Day at the Capitol event brings together executive staff, board members, donors, and key stakeholders from across the state during the Legislative Session. Participants meet with legislators, review policy, and host the “Red + Blue = Purple” Reception. This evening reception recognizes state leaders who support Epilepsy Alliance Florida and the broader epilepsy community in Florida.