Legislative News The U.S. House of Representatives Approves the Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act To Support Osteoporosis Research
On Tuesday, June 10th, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the “Mother’s Day Centennial Commemorative Coin Act” (HR 2268), which, if passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President, authorizes the U.S. Mint to produce a commemorative coin in 2014 in honor of the centennial of the Mother’s Day holiday. Each coin would carry a $10.00 surcharge, and the proceeds from the sale of the coin would be divided evenly between the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure to further their research grant programs. NOF applauds Representatives Shelley Moore Capito (WV) and Carolyn Maloney (NY) who introduced the bill, as well as the 297 cosponsors.
“The minting of this coin honoring our mothers is a small step in showing our gratitude for how our mothers have contributed to the successes of our lives,” said Representative Capito. “That’s why I am so pleased that the proceeds from the coin will be dedicated to the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure—two organizations that can continue honoring mothers by improving the health and lives of women nationwide.”
Osteoporosis is a disease in which an individual’s bones become weak and are more likely to break. As a result, living with osteoporosis and breaking a bone often lead to a downward spiral of pain, disability, deformity and loss of independence and quality of life. Today, 10 million Americans 50 and older are estimated to have osteoporosis, and nearly 34 million Americans are estimated to have low bone mass, putting them at an increased risk for osteoporosis.
Funds raised from the sale of the coin will further support NOF’s Research Grants Program, which provides peer-reviewed grants to scientists at the beginning of their careers. This helps build a new foundation of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry, discovery and breakthrough in the field of osteoporosis and bone health.
“Research is the foundation for advancing our understanding of osteoporosis and our ability to fight all aspects of the disease,” said Ethel Siris, M.D., president of NOF. “The National Osteoporosis Foundation honors all the mothers who have struggled with osteoporosis and related fractures, and with these funds and this great show of support, we renew our dedication to finding a cure for osteoporosis.”
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U.S. House of Representatives Passes Resolution to Support the Goals and Ideals of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
On Thursday, May 21st the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, which takes place in May. The bill, H. Res. 369, was introduced by Congresswoman Shelley Berkley of Nevada and helps bring attention to a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, osteoporosis.
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month is celebrated in May with educational and awareness campaigns all over the country. In May, NOF and others are spreading the word that osteoporosis is beatable and treatable. To recognize National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, NOF has developed a Bone Tool Kit. The kit is a great resource for basic, easy-to-read information on bone health and osteoporosis, as well as specific information for diverse target audiences. During the month of May, you can take action to protect your bone health and prevent osteoporosis!
Click here to download the Bone Tool Kit
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