Why the Model Systems program needs the SCI community’s urgent support

For over 50 years, the Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Model Systems program, sponsored by the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR), has provided essential services for individuals from the moment of injury through their return to full participation in the community. SCI Model Systems have also conducted a wide range of research and provide important information to patients, professionals, and the public both nationally and internationally.

Over time, federal funding for SCI Model Systems has been decreasing significantly relative to inflation and has remained stagnant since 2006.  That means there are only 14 SCI Model Systems currently receiving federal funding, despite approximately 300,000 Americans living with SCI. By comparison, there were 18 SCI Model Systems in the year 2000, while 200,000 Americans were living with SCI.

The U.S. House of Representatives has acknowledged they're “concerned with the growing number of people living with a spinal cord injury in the United States.” So, we were pleased to see them recognize the value of these programs in the spending bill passed July 2021, by increasing NIDILRR’s overall budget by nearly $12 million, including $2 million to help increase the number of federally funded SCI Model Systems.

The Senate now needs to vote and come to a final agreement, which we hope includes the nearly $12 million increase for NIDILRR, with $2 million to increase the number of SCI Model Systems. Given their vital role in increasing the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injury and paralysis, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is partnering with United Spinal Association to amplify their message and advocate for increased funding for NIDILRR and the SCI Model Systems in a final FY ’22 appropriations bill. All you need to do to show your support with the Senators is to submit this easy-to-complete form HERE.