February 2006, Miami, Florida

NTM Info & Research, Inc., (NTMir) is pleased to report the success of its first national "Advocacy and Education Day" event held in Washington, DC, February 8-10, 2006.  NTMir represents patients afflicted with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial diseases.   Mycobacteria are environmental organisms found in both water and soil that can cause significant respiratory damage.  NTM diseases appear to be on the increase across the nation, particularly among women, frequently go undiagnosed, and are often multi-drug resistant.  NTM diseases are therefore an emerging public health concern.

Forty (40) NTM patients and family members from across the country, accompanied by leading physicians, met with members of Congress and their staffs, to advance support at a national level for patients with pulmonary NTM diseases.  They were accompanied by Dr. Timothy Aksamit of the Mayo Clinic, Rochester MN; Dr. Gwen Huitt of National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver CO; Dr. David Kamelhar of the NY School of Medicine; Dr. Richard Wallace of the University of Texas Health Center at Tyler; Miriam O'Day, Senior Director of Public Policy NTMir, and Philip Leitman, President of NTMir.

NTMir has secured bi-partisan support in both the House and the Senate for language amendments that encourage increased federal investment by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in NTM research and education.  Specifically, NTM Advocacy & Education Day participants asked their members of Congress to support the NTMir request for an expanded federal research portfolio in fiscal year 2007; including plans to improve diagnostics, treatment, education of health care providers, and to create a program to evaluate prevalence, risk factors and co-morbidities.

NTMir also hosted a round-table discussion for patients and physicians, during which issues involving treatment options, research directions, and strategic planning were addressed.  Patients had the opportunity to pose questions for discussion to leading researchers.   Dr. Stephen Holland of NIH and Dr. Michael Iademarco of the CDC participated in the round-table discussion.

NTMir Advocacy Day participants, family members and those who were unable to attend are encouraged to support the NTMir legislative requests by writing to their members of Congress and scheduling visits in their home districts while members are at home during the recess.  Please use the sample letter below.

For more information please contact:

Philip Leitman                           
President, NTMir                       
1550 Madruga Ave., SUITE 230                   
Coral Gables, Fl 33143                       
philipleitman@aol.com
305-667-6461x12
305-773-8846 cell

Miriam O'Day
Sr. Director Public Policy
miriam.oday@verizon.net
202-246-1231