Protecting the Foundation of Health: Why NIH Research Matters

Our nation’s health and scientific leadership depend on the continued strength of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but a recent proposal has brought forward significant changes that could impact the vital work this agency does in biomedical research and public health.

• URGE CONGRESS to support NIH research and funding

• LEARN MORE: Supporting Research on the Whole Person

The proposed budget outlines a significant reduction in NIH funding, from its current $47 billion to $27 billion—a nearly 40% decrease. This proposed reduction could affect ongoing research and the pace of scientific progress, potentially slowing the development of new treatments and cures.

Beyond funding, the proposal also suggests consolidating the NIH's 27 specialized institutes and centers into just 83. The current structure has driven decades of groundbreaking discoveries and public health advancements. Each of these institutes provides specialized expertise crucial for addressing our nation’s diverse health challenges. Such a significant restructuring, if not done with a careful and transparent process, could disrupt ongoing research and create uncertainty for researchers. The existing framework is noted for fostering collaboration, patient and advocacy engagement, and effective congressional oversight.

Maintaining the breadth and depth of the NIH is seen as essential for continued innovation, public health, and our nation’s competitiveness in biomedical research. Please join us in supporting robust funding and preserving the NIH's proven structure to ensure continued progress in biomedical research and public health.