Headache on the Hill 2025 Event Recap

Headache on the Hill 2025: Advocating for Better Headache and Migraine Care

Headache on the Hill (HOH) is an annual advocacy event organized by the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) and supported by the American Headache Society for two impactful days of federal advocacy in Washington, D.C., on March 17th and 18th. This event brings together health professionals, including over 60 AHS members, headache disorders advocates, patients, caregivers, and researchers to work toward improving the lives of those living with or impacted by migraine and other headache disorders in the United States. HOH focuses on raising awareness about headache disorders and advocating for more significant equity in care and research funding.

The event allowed participants to engage in high-impact discussions, advocacy efforts, and legislative presentations to push for more equitable policies and solutions for the headache community. The annual event emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to educate Congress on the needs of the 40+ million Americans affected by migraine and other headache disorders. 

Amaal Starling, MD, FAHS, American Headache Society Board Member-at-Large and Chair of the AHS Advocacy Committee, attended on behalf of the AHS, proudly representing the organization throughout the event. The energy in the room was palpable, with a collective sense of purpose driving the advocates to make their voices heard in support of vital legislative changes.

The 2025 Asks

An “Ask” is an actionable request made to Congress. It proposes a solution to an identified problem that can typically be answered with a "yes" or "no." Asks serve as clear and concise requests that legislators can act upon to benefit the migraine and headache community directly. For example, an Ask could involve asking a member of Congress to send a letter to another member or to co-sponsor a specific bill.

Each year, Headache on the Hill focuses on a few key asks that reflect the most pressing issues in the headache medicine community. These asks are designed to connect advocates with Congress, educate lawmakers on essential health issues, and push for legislative policy change that can improve the lives of the 40+ million Americans affected by headache disorders. In 2025, we focused on three key asks:

1. Ask 1: Co-Sponsor the Safe Step Act
   Advocates called for lawmakers to co-sponsor the re-introduced Safe Step Act, which protects patients from step therapy protocols that delay access to effective headache treatments.
    
2. Ask 2: Safeguard NIH Funding and Prioritize Headache Research
   Advocates urged legislators to protect NIH funding in FY26 and prioritize headache research, mainly focusing on women’s health across the life stages, from childhood to post-menopausal/aging.
    
3. Ask 3: Support Funding for VA Headache Centers of Excellence
   Advocates requested $30 million in FY26 funding for expansion and maintenance of the highly effective VA Headache Centers of Excellence. They asked lawmakers to sign a Dear Colleague letter in support of this appropriations request to improve care for veterans with headache disorders.

While the outcomes of our Asks may take months or even years to materialize, each meeting on the Hill plays a critical role in building awareness and momentum. Progress in advocacy often moves slowly, but over time, it leads to meaningful change.

Looking Ahead

Headache on the Hill remains a flagship event each year, uniting advocates in purpose and passion. The 2025 event was no exception; it was an inspiring, impactful experience that energized attendees, including 65 AHS members, and reinforced the importance of persistent, united advocacy for the headache community.

Headache on the Hill 2025 aimed to amplify the voices of those with headache disorders and those who care for them. The event continues to show that when we come together, we can advocate for effective policy changes that directly affect the lives of millions of people living with headache disorders.

As we look to the future, AHS members and advocates are encouraged to continue their advocacy efforts and stay engaged in upcoming events, such as the virtual Advocacy Day in the Fall of 2025. 

Thank you to our sponsors, partners, AHS members, and all the advocates who made this year's Headache on the Hill a success. Together, we are stronger and will continue to make a difference in the lives of those living with migraine and other headache disorders.