Despite the challenges of an unproductive 118th Congress, neurosurgery celebrated legislative victories with the reauthorization of federal programs prioritizing pediatric neurosurgical care including the Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 and the reauthorization of the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program.
The Gabriella Miller Kids First Research Act 2.0 reauthorizes and expands funding for the Kids First Research Program at the National Institutes of Health. The program prioritizes research on brain tumors, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Named after Gabriella Miller, a young advocate who succumbed to brain cancer at the age of 10, the law honors her legacy by ensuring sustained investment in the fight against childhood cancers and congenital anomalies. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will support children and their families with some of the most serious and rare medical conditions, including benign and malignant brain and spinal tumors. This additional funding stream will help provide critical research to find new, innovative treatments.
Equally impactful is the Emergency Medical Services for Children program, which ensures that emergency departments across the country are prepared to address pediatric-specific needs. For neurosurgery, this program plays a vital role in enhancing care for children experiencing traumatic brain injuries and other neurosurgical emergencies. By integrating neurosurgeons into emergency medical services and supporting readiness initiatives, the program has reduced child morbidity and mortality from severe injuries.
