As a follow-up to one of our important Hill “asks,” from AOPA’s 2026 Policy Forum, we invite you to take the next step in supporting dedicated funding for O&P outcomes research.
For the third consecutive year, the O&P Alliance, of which AOPA is a member of, is circulating a sign-on letter urging Congress to restore funding for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program (OPORP) within the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP) at $15 million for FY 2027.
OPORP was funded from FY 2014 through FY 2023 and played a vital role in advancing evidence-based O&P care. However, it has not received funding for the past three years. While some O&P outcomes research has been considered under other Department of Defense programs, highly rated proposals have received limited funding. Restoring dedicated OPORP funding is essential to ensuring continued innovation, improved patient outcomes, and strong clinical evidence for our profession.
Getting the broad support from researchers, clinicians, patients, universities, associations, and other stakeholders across the O&P community will go a long way in securing this funding. A similar letter will also be sent to the House of Representatives.
We are grateful to the O&P Alliance for their leadership and continued work on this critical issue and hope you will lend your support. Please take a moment to sign the letter of support to Senator Mitch McConnell, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for the Department of Defense.
The deadline to sign on is Monday, May 11 at Noon ET.
We also encourage you to share this link with colleagues and partners who may be interested in supporting this effort.
Thank you for your continued advocacy and commitment to advancing O&P care.