We’re Speaking Out on Health Issues

NCHR scientists and health policy experts provide written and oral statements on a wide range of topics.

Here are many of the ways we have been Speaking Out on Health Policy Issues for the last few years. Whether the topic is legislation intended to cure diseases, proposed bans on BPA or other chemicals that disrupt your hormones, the importance of including women, people of color, and patients over 65 in clinical trials, or many other topics, you’ll gain a better understanding of our evidence-based analyses by reading these letters, statements, and testimony.

Here are the ways we have been Speaking out on Medical Treatments and Products, such as prescription drugs and medical devices that the FDA is considering approving, or is considering taking off the market because of serious risks. Whether the topic is Chantix, Addyi, Yaz, Essure, or medical products you’ve never heard of, you can find out more about what is known and not known about the safety and effectiveness of a wide range of products by looking through this section of our website.

NCHR Comments Urging FDA to Provide Higher Standards And Upclassify Surgical Mesh For POP And Incontinence

July 30, 2014. On behalf of the National Center for Health Research, I am pleased to have the opportunity to express our views on the proposed order on the reclassification of certain surgical mesh devices and surgical instruments. Our nonprofit Center analyzes and reviews research on a range of treatment issues, and provides objective and understandable information to patients and providers.

Comments Opposing FDA’s Draft Guidance On Postmarket Safety And Effectiveness Data For High-Risk Devices

July 24, 2014. As members of the Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition, we are writing to express our strong concerns about the draft guidance for the “Balancing Premarket and Postmarket Data Collection for Devices Subject to Premarket Approval.”

Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition Comments in Favor of USPSTF Draft Recommendation on Screening for Vitamin D Deficiency

July 30, 2014. Members of the Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition commend the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) efforts to provide advice based on scientific evidence on screening for vitamin D deficiency in the general adult population.

Statement of Dr. Diana Zuckerman in Support of the SWEET Act

July 30, 2014. The National Center for Health Research strongly supports the SWEET Act introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT). Today, sugary beverages represent the largest calorie source in an American teen’s diet — and the largest calorie count for many adults as well. The SWEET Act is the first step towards helping curb this trend.

Patient, Consumer, and Public Health Coalition Comments on Expedited Access for Premarket Approval Medical Devices

July 22, 2014. As members of the Patient, Consumer and Public Health Coalition, we do not support the draft guidance for the “Expedited Access for Premarket Approval Medical Devices Intended for Unmet Medical Need for Life Threatening or Irreversibly Debilitating Diseases or Conditions.”