Science Initiative Committee
Chairs - Hilary Bertisch
Members - Hilary Gomes, Heather Henkell, Jocelyn Trimm, Lynn Schaefer, Allan Yozawitz, Chriscelyn Tussey, Bill Tsang, Shahal Rozenblatt
The NYSAN Science Initiative is actively raising awareness about the impact of proposed federal funding cuts on mental health care, neuropsychological research, and access to treatment across the lifespan. Through educational posts marked with #NYSANScienceInitiative, the group has highlighted how reductions in support threaten progress in key areas including autism research, schizophrenia training programs, pediatric brain tumor clinical trials, dementia research, Long COVID science, and the NIH BRAIN Initiative. Additional posts have emphasized the clinical implications of these cuts by connecting them to real communities—children experiencing food insecurity, individuals recovering from stroke, patients living with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions, and families navigating school-based supports like IEP and 504 plans.
The Initiative composed an Op-Ed aimed at promoting public understanding of why sustained research investment is essential for advancing clinical care, training future providers, and ensuring equitable access to evidence-based services in New York State.
Questions? Email Dr. Hilary Bertish at hbertisch@northwell.edu