panel discussion exploring the scientific, political, legal and community aspects of PD in a forum hosted by the the Rockland County Legislator. It will take place in the Legislature Chambers hosted by Legislator Harriet Cornell, the Rockland County Task Force On Water Resources and Environmental Committee Chair, with Dr. Ray Dorsey, David M. Levy Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester where he directs the Center for Health & Technology, and a spokesperson on Public Policy and Environmental Triggers from the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Harriet D. Cornell ~ District 10 Legislator

• Second Vice Chair

• Chair: Rockland County Task Force On Water Resources

• Chair: Environmental Committee

• Chair: Special Committee on Transit

• Vice Chair: Economic Development

• Committee Member: Budget & Finance and Public Safety, and Special Committee on Minority & Women Business Enterprise

Second Vice Chair
Harriet Cornell has been a Legislator since 1984 and was the first woman to chair the Rockland County Legislature, a position she held from January 2005 to December 2013, the longest consecutive term to date.  Her long record of accomplishments led to The Journal News naming her as one of 25 people who made the greatest impact on Rockland County during the 20th Century. 

Mrs. Cornell's priorities have included protection of our environment, enhanced educational resources, improved health services for women and children, homeland security, Rockland's transportation infrastructure, and smart land use planning.  She has brought together elected officials from every level of government in Summit meetings to cooperate on these issues of mutual concern.   

Dr. Ray Dorsey is the David M. Levy Professor of Neurology and Director of the Center for Health + Technology at the University of Rochester. Through creative use of technology, he and his colleagues seek to enable anyone anywhere to receive care, participate in research, and benefit from therapeutic advances. His research has been published in leading medical, neurology, and economic journals and has been featured on National Public Radio, in the New York Times, and in the Wall Street Journal. In 2015, the White House recognized him as a “Champion for Change” for Parkinson’s disease. In the book, Ending Parkinson’s Disease, he lays out the prescription for action for addressing what he believes is one of the great health challenges of our time.

Ted Thompson:  With over 10 years of experience in public policy and government relations, I am a passionate and effective advocate for the Parkinson’s community. As the Senior Vice President of Public Policy at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), I lead a team that drives policy initiatives to secure funding for research, improve access to care, and address the needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and their families.

My work involves forming strategic partnerships, engaging with lawmakers and regulators, and mobilizing grassroots supporters. I have successfully spearheaded landmark legislation, such as the National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act and the National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System Act, as well as advocacy campaigns to ban toxic chemicals, expand Medicare coverage, and increase public awareness. I am also a recognized Subject Matter Expert and speaker on PD policy issues, frequently featured in podcasts, webinars, conferences, and media outlets. My goal is to advance the mission of MJFF and make a positive difference in the lives of millions of people affected by PD.

THANKS TO SPONSORS: