In this episode of the Parkinson’s Policy Podcast, we sit down with Deborah Swerdlow, Head of Policy at the Parkinson’s Foundation, and Ken Chason, a dedicated patient advocate and member of the Foundation’s Patient Policy Advisory Council (PPAC), for a timely and insightful conversation on the future of Parkinson’s policy.

Together, we explore the most pressing policy challenges impacting the Parkinson’s community today, from access to care and affordability of treatments to the need for increased research funding and stronger support systems for patients and caregivers. Deborah shares an inside look at how policy priorities are shaped at the Foundation, while Ken brings a powerful, lived-experience perspective on why patient voices must remain central to policymaking.

We also dive into what needs to happen next at both the state and federal levels to drive meaningful change, highlighting opportunities for advocacy and ways listeners can get involved.

Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, caring for someone who is, or working in healthcare, policy, or advocacy, this episode offers valuable insights into how policy decisions shape real-world outcomes, and how you can be part of the solution.

More information for on the Parkinson’s Foundation’s policy work can be found here: https://www.parkinson.org/how-to-help/policy-advocacy-priorities