March 29, 2017

Christine Nielsen
3393 West Crestfield Dr.
West Valley, UT. 84119

Dear Ms. Mia Love,

I am writing this letter to voice my displeasure over the proposed 2018 budget cut, which
will reduce funding for the National Institute of Health. Being the nations medical research
agency, NIH is directly responsible for improving the health and quality of life for the American
people. Not only is this accomplished through multiple research efforts but also through the
dissemination of current scientific findings.
Physical and mental health issues have touched the lives of everyone to some degree.
One such condition, would be Autism Spectrum Disorder. Per the Center for Disease Control:
The prevalence of Autism affecting the American population is 1 in 68 births
Autism occurs in all ethnic, racial and socioeconomic groups
Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability
Autism in Children has increased 119.4% from 2000-2010
While these statistics are specific to America, Autism is a global issue. It is currently unknown
what causes Autism and it is only through collaborative, dedicated scientific research efforts that
we may begin to understand this condition.
This is only one of many reasons that funding for the National Institute of Health is so
important. While I understand that there is only so much to go around, I feel it would be a
huge mistake to withhold funding from an agency whose very purpose is to understand and
better mankind.
Thank you for your time and attention to this letter.
Sincerely,
Christine Nielsen