Call to Action: Your Voice Matters in Advancing Smell and Taste Testing
On February 27, Anosmia Awareness Day, a team of 17 advocates organized by AChemS (Association for Chemoreception Sciences) met with legislators to raise awareness about anosmia and the need for research and smell and taste testing. They conducted 24 meetings to advocate for NIH funding and Medicare coverage for chemosensory testing.
Your Personal Stories Matter
There is a need to strengthen our educational efforts with decision-makers. This is where your personal stories become powerful.
Key Legislators to Reach:
We're seeking constituents from the following states/districts who are willing to share their anosmia or smell/taste disorder experiences with these key decision-makers:
Senate:
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (WV) - Subcommittee chair for Labor/HHS Appropriations
Sen. Bill Cassidy (LA) - Chair of Senate Health Committee, physician
Sen. Susan Collins (ME) - Chair of Appropriations Committee
Sen. John Cornyn (TX)
Sen. John Thune (SD)
Sen. Mike Crapo (ID) - Chair of Finance Committee (Medicare)
Sen. Mike Rounds (SD)
Sen. Thom Tillis (NC)
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (AK)
Sen. Todd Young (IN)
House:
Rep. Tom Cole (OK) - Chair, Appropriations Committee
Rep. Brian Babin (TX) - Chair, Science, Space and Technology Committee
Rep. Hal Rogers (KY) - Subcommittee chair, CJS Appropriations
Rep. Robert Aderholt (AL) - Subcommittee chair, Labor/HHS Appropriations
Rep. Chuck Fleischman (TN) - Subcommittee chair, Energy and Water Appropriations
Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY) - Chair, Energy and Commerce Committee
How You Can Help
If you or someone you know lives in any of these states/districts and has experienced anosmia or other smell/taste disorders, please consider sharing your story. Your personal experience could be the key to helping these legislators understand the importance of this issue.
What to expect:
We'll connect with you to discuss your story and prepare for the meeting
Meetings will be virtual and we'll guide you through the entire process
Your story will help illustrate why Medicare coverage for smell and taste testing is essential
Take Action Today
If you're willing to participate or know someone who might be interested, please reach out to stephanie@wtsda.org.
Together, we can turn personal challenges into powerful advocacy that improves healthcare for millions of Americans living with smell and taste disorders.
