Andi L. Fristedt, Parkinson’s Foundation: “The data (on paraquat) is clear.”

Andi L. Fristedt, former senior official at CDC, FDA and the Senate HELP Committee, heads up a newly established Washington, D.C. office of the Parkinson’s Foundation. The Foundation acts in close allegiance with Michael J. Fox and his foundation; advocates; scientific and policy leaders such as Professors Okun and Dorsey; and new voices such as Harvard Professor Sue Goldie. It supports research on the genetic underpinnings of Parkinson’s Disease: 13% of Americans have genetic variants that place them at considerable risk. The foundation focuses on therapies and improving the quality of care; education of the public; and strengthening prevention against environmental toxins. The Washington office’s mandate is to “connect the dots” between science with those in Congress and the administration able to be champions and shape policy. There is progress: “We just know a lot more. And how to tell our story.”  A paramount concern is the pesticide paraquat, which continues to be used widely in the United States, while outlawed in dozens of countries. Over 40 years of scientific research has made very clear the danger paraquat poses, especially to children. The EPA is currently revisiting paraquat, while many states spring into action.