Led by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA), on September 19, 2025, Representatives Lori Trahan (D-MA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan legislation Headache Education, Access, Diagnosis, and Care Health Equity Act (HEADACHE Act, H.R.5536), the first-ever federal bill focused solely on migraine and headache disorders.
Federal Engagement
HEADACHE Act (H.R. 5536) — As of 3/9/2026: House: 36 cosponsors
More than 40 million Americans live with migraine and headache disorders, yet these conditions remain stigmatized, underdiagnosed, and underfunded. Headache on the Hill (HOH), a national event organized by the AHDA, brings the headache community directly to lawmakers to educate them on key policy changes that would improve access to quality headache care.
The HEADACHE Act creates the following:
- Develop the National Headache Disorders Initiative at Health & Human Services to coordinate federal efforts. It would also address the medical, social, and economic impacts of headache disorders, as well as expand the clinical and research workforce
- Establish an Advisory Council with patients, clinicians, researchers, and federal agencies
- Prioritize research to speed the development of accurate, efficient, effective diagnostics and therapeutics at low cost
- Requires data sharing, a national plan, and an Annual Report to Congress
The National Headache Foundation is proud to stand alongside the AHDA and partners as we continue to advance legislation so that individuals living with headache and migraine can live to their fullest potential.
To learn about the latest policy initiatives and legislative asks, visit the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy