Each day the government shutdown persists, critical work across a broad array of agencies remains suspended or limited in scope. One of the most essential, behind-the-scenes government services is the work of the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA.)

The FDA works to protect the health and wellbeing of our nation and its citizens; its role cannot be overstated. From inspecting food to ensure a safe food supply, to protecting patients from contaminated and unsafe medical products, and expediting lifesaving therapies to patients, its role is fundamental.

Osteoporosis is a major public health threat, and our mission is to improve patient care and support for those who suffer from the disease, as well as provide education and resources to help people reduce their risk. While we normally do not weigh in on political issues of a partisan nature, we feel that a public health crisis risk has been precipitated by the shutdown, and we must speak out on behalf of the millions we serve. That’s why, for the first time in our organization’s history, we have joined a coalition of more than 40 patient and health provider groups to warn about the effects of the government shutdown on the FDA, and urge the president to bring back the FDA in its full capacity.

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