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The International Neuromodulation Society supports and endorses related initiatives and efforts, including:
European Brain Council's Age of the Brain
As part of its public education campaign, the International Neuromodulation Society (INS) joined more than 200 organizations to support the European Brain Council's (EBC) proposal to recognize 2014 as The European Year of the Brain (EYOB). Plans are underway to continue the educational campaign in 2015 in North America, and 2016 in Asia.
European Year of the Brain aims to "celebrate the wonder of the brain and create initiatives which will change behaviours and lead to measurable improvements in health," and has the potential to do the following:
- Increase the profile of all brain diseases in every member state
- Draw attention to the costs and impact of brain diseases now and into the future
- Increase funding for brain research through the framework programmes and in the member
states
- Increase efforts to educate, inform and advise all those living with brain diseases in order to
improve their quality of life
- Recognise the increasingly important role of those who care for a person living with a brain
disorder
- Promote normal brain function and development and address barriers to these.
- Draw attention to health inequalities in brain diseases
- Develop action plans at local, national, regional and European level to address specific areas
related to brain diseases
- Influence policy decisions over the next 5-10 years
- Address controversial and difficult areas
- Stimulate open debate and dialogue on brain diseases
- Show the value of partnership across all of society
We encourage you to view the materials developed in support of this initiative, which are posted on the EBC website at: http://www.europeanbraincouncil.org/projects/eyob/materials.asp
Beyond 2014, the initiative is now being expanded to include a North America Year of the Brain in 2015 and Asia-Pacific Year of the Brain in 2016.
See an explanatory video and non-monetary pledge-of-support form at www.pledge.yearofthebrain.org.
Due to the economic crisis in Europe, the EBC has decided to withdraw from seeking formal support of the European Commission and continue the effort as a non-institutionally led initiative. The council intends to deliver a 2014 Year of the Brain campaign in Europe, since plans were already well-advanced following a number of years of development. With that in mind, expressions of support are urged to help the council continue to raise funds.
Please act now and support the European Year of the Brain 2014, by writing to your local Members of the European Parliament using this template letter.
A list of Members of the European Parliament can be found at: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/members/public/geoSearch.do?language=EN
We appreciate your taking the time to consider this important initiative that could influence the future of brain neuromodulation in Europe and beyond. Thank you!
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