Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) profoundly impact veterans and their families, with the VA serving as the largest care network for these complex conditions. The Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP), established to address the high rates of SCI among returning warfighters, funds vital research into improved treatments and long-term care. However, Congress has eliminated the entire $40 million budget for SCIRP in fiscal year 2025, jeopardizing crucial advancements in SCI care, including tissue preservation, biomarker development, and rehabilitation strategies.

This funding cut threatens progress in improving the lives of over 300,000 individuals living with SCI, including many veterans. These funds support research aimed at maximizing function, managing chronic complications like pain and dysfunction, and addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and their families. Without SCIRP, critical research into new therapies and interventions will stall, hindering the development of better treatments and ultimately impacting the quality of life for those affected by SCI.

Take action now to restore these critical research and development investments guided by the vision to advance the treatment and management of SCI for military service members, veterans, their families, as well as all individuals living with SCI.