Parkinson's Leaders Appointed to Federal Advisory Council

Deborah W. Brooks and Israel Robledo to guide National Parkinson's Project strategy

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:59pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray image of the human brain, revealing the intricate neural pathways and structures in a ghostly, glowing manner against a dark background, conceptually representing the complex inner workings of the brain affected by Parkinson's disease.A new federal initiative aims to accelerate research and treatments for the complex neurological condition of Parkinson's disease.Midland Today

The Michael J. Fox Foundation announced that its CEO Deborah W. Brooks and Patient Council member Israel Robledo have been appointed to the inaugural Federal Advisory Council on Parkinson's Research, Care and Services. The Council will guide the development and implementation of the National Parkinson's Project, a comprehensive national strategy to end Parkinson's disease.

Why it matters

Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurological disease in the U.S., affecting over 1.2 million people. The National Parkinson's Project marks a transformative moment in how the country approaches the disease, aligning federal efforts to accelerate research and unlock breakthroughs that can change the trajectory of Parkinson's.

The details

The newly established advisory body includes representatives from federal agencies and 10 independent and private sector appointees, including patients, care partners, healthcare providers, researchers and nonprofit leaders. Authorized by Congress in 2024, the National Parkinson's Project is a whole-of-government initiative developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prevent, diagnose, treat and cure Parkinson's.

  • The National Parkinson's Project Act was signed into law in 2024.
  • The Federal Advisory Council on Parkinson's Research, Care and Services was established in 2026.

The players

Deborah W. Brooks

Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Israel Robledo

A member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation's Patient Council, a special education teacher from Midland, Texas who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease at age 42.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

The world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, dedicated to accelerating a cure and improved therapies.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

The federal agency developing and implementing the National Parkinson's Project.

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What they’re saying

“The National Parkinson's Project marks a transformative moment in how the United States approaches Parkinson's, bringing new levels of ambition, collaboration and accountability.”

— Deborah W. Brooks, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, The Michael J. Fox Foundation

“As someone who has lived with Parkinson's for nearly two decades and spent much of that time advocating for better treatments and quality of life, I'm proud to represent the patient community in developing a national strategy that moves us closer to ending Parkinson's for good.”

— Israel Robledo, MJFF Patient Council Member

What’s next

The NPP Advisory Council will provide recommendations to HHS on research priorities, access to care and services, and strategies to reduce the burden of Parkinson's. It will also monitor progress and report to Congress at regular intervals.

The takeaway

The National Parkinson's Project represents a landmark, bipartisan effort to align federal agencies, accelerate scientific progress and improve care for the over 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson's disease.