Congressman Lynch to Receive ALF Government Achievement Award

American Liver Foundation
Friday, 24 October 2003

Award Presented at American Association for the Study of Liver Disease Annual Meeting

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA) will receive the American Liver Foundation's Government Achievement Award for his work in introducing the Liver Research Enhancement Act (HR 371), a bill that will sharpen the focus on the study and funding of liver disease research. The award will be presented during the Seventh Annual American Liver Foundation/American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases 7th Annual Scientific Awards Dinner honoring research scientists on Saturday, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, 39 Dalton Street, Boston, at 7:45 p.m. The award is given to the outstanding national government leader of the year in the realm of liver health.

Congressman Lynch is the first member of Congress to be a live liver donor, so he knows first hand of the need for liver disease research. Congressman Lynch gave two-thirds of his liver to his brother in-law, South Boston resident and union carpenter Joe O'Leary, who would have died without the living donor transplant.

"Congressman Lynch is a tireless sponsor of liver disease research," said Paul D. Berk, M.D., ALF board chairman, "and presenting him with the ALF Government Achievement Award is particularly poignant. I cannot think of another legislator who has done so much personally and professionally for people with liver disease."

The Liver Disease Research Enhancement Act is designed to improve and streamline the study and funding of liver disease research by creating a Liver Disease Research Advisory Board at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "A Liver Disease Research Advisory Board would provide a clear means for measuring the progress of liver research at the NIH," said Frederick J. Suchy, M.D., president of the AASLD. "With viral hepatitis on the rise in the United States, a sharp focus on liver disease is clearly needed."

This is the 54th Annual Meeting of the AASLD, the premier meeting in the science and practice of hepatology, where over 4,500 hepatologists and hepatology health professionals from around the world exchange the latest liver disease research, discuss treatment outcomes and interact with colleagues.

"It's important that legislators know when their efforts are appreciated," said Mark McCue, president of the American Liver Foundation New England Chapter.

"Congressman Lynch will be recognized by more than 4,000 doctors and liver patients who know that he is fighting for them. Another measure of Congressman Lynch's commitment to liver disease is his deep involvement with the ALF New England Chapter, such as his involvement as honorary chairperson of Moakley's Run for Research a road race in South Boston this Sunday. He is always there when we are trying to stimulate public awareness or raise funds for liver disease."

About the Liver Research Enhancement Act

The Liver Disease Research Enhancement Act (HR371) is designed to improve the focus on the study and funding of liver disease research by creating a Liver Disease Research Advisory Board at the NIH. This ongoing Advisory Board will include preeminent scientists at the NIH and from across the country who will develop a blueprint to guide future NIH funding decisions and help the liver research community to prioritize research efforts. HR 371 will improve the efficiency of the liver disease research effort and is not expected to require a net increase of staff at the NIH. Ultimately, the bill seeks to coordinate all NIH efforts regarding liver research.

HR 371 also calls for the creation of a system to identify the current status of liver disease research and identify shortfalls and accomplishments. It will then create a Center for Liver Research to serve as the coach for implementing this game plan.

About the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases

AASLD is the leading medical organization for advancing the science and practice of hepatology. Founded by physicians in 1950, AASLD's vision is to prevent and cure liver diseases.

For more information, or to contact American Liver Foundation, see their website at: www.liverfoundation.org