AUA To Deliver Testimony On Urotrauma Before House VA Subcommittee On Health

LINTHICUM, Md., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, May 21, the American Urological Association (AUA), a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, will deliver oral and written testimony to the House of Representatives' Veterans Affairs' Subcommittee on Health in support of H.R. 984, a bi-partisan bill that specifically addresses urotrauma, a growing concern among active military personnel and veterans. H.R. 984 was introduced earlier this year by Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY-2).

Urotrauma is a significant issue, particularly among active military populations. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs), when detonated, can cause severe trauma to the sexual organs and genitourinary system. These debilitating injuries can have devastating impacts – not only to urinary and sexual function, but on fertility. Since legislation on urotrauma was first introduced in 2009, the AUA has worked with lawmakers to increase awareness of these injuries. In 2012, the AUA led the formation of an Urotrauma Policy Roundtable, comprised of veterans and patient advocacy groups, to support legislation addressing urotrauma.  Our coalition partners include the: American College of Surgeons, American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American Association of Clinical Urologists , American Fertility Association, American Society of Andrology, Large Urology Group Practice Association, Kidney Cancer Association, Society for the Study of Male Reproduction, Society of Male Reproduction and Urology,  Society for Women's Health Research,  Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), AMVETS, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Blinded Veterans Association,  Men's Health Network, Zero- The Project to End Prostate Cancer, RESOLVE:  The National Infertility Association, Blue Ribbon Advocacy Alliance, Johnson and Johnson, Astellas and Endo Pharmaceuticals.  

Dr. Mark Edney, a urologist, veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, AUA member and the AUA's lead advocate on this issue, will deliver both written and oral statements on behalf of the AUA at the hearing.

H.R. 984 calls for the establishment of an interagency task force, led by the U.S. Department of Defense, to investigate and advise on the research and action needed to advance this increasingly essential field. The urotrauma legislation includes the following key provisions:

• Creation of "The Task Force on Urotrauma," which will conduct a comprehensive study of the present state of knowledge and research on urotrauma, evaluate existing education and research resources, and identify knowledge and programmatic gaps.
• A long-range plan, based on the Commission's comprehensive study, for the use and organization of national resources to effectively deal with urotrauma, including: 1) researching innovations in the care and treatment of persons affected by urotrauma, 2) identifying ways to prevent or minimize these types of injuries, and 3) improving education and training to medical personnel caring for these individuals and to the general public.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 19,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health policy.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Wendy Waldsachs Isett, American Urological Association
410-689-3789, [email protected]

SOURCE American Urological Association

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