Byrd Center's Future Debated

TAMPA - Medical professionals and state legislators debated Monday the governance of the Johnnie B. Byrd Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute, with some arguing the institute should be absorbed by the University of South Florida and others saying it should be independent.

Several state legislators attended Monday's hearing, though no votes were taken and legislators did little talking.

Instead, doctors, researchers and university officials spent about two hours telling the lawmakers how they envision the institute's future.

The fledgling institute was a source of controversy last year as legislators cut part of its $15 million appropriation.

As a compromise was reached to cut $1.5 million in funding, some Alzheimer's researchers said the state should not guarantee money exclusively to the Byrd Institute.

Instead, they argued, money should be awarded throughout the state on a competitive basis.

Those same themes were discussed Monday. Several University of South Florida officials, including President Judy Genshaft, asked for the Byrd Institute to become part of the university. The university and institute could share resources, attract top-notch researchers and be in a stronger position to win research grants, they said.

Folding the Byrd Institute into the university could also save money, Genshaft said, and ensure the prosperity of the institute.

"We would make sure it not just survives, it thrives," Genshaft said.

Gloria Smith, president of the Florida Gulf Coast chapter of the National Alzheimer's Association, said money should not only be spent on research.

"We all want a cure," Smith said. "But until there's a cure, there must be care."

Some, such as Michael Mullan, said money should be granted on a competitive basis. Mullan is director of the Roskamp Institute, a Sarasota-based research group.

As for governance, Byrd Institute officials said they want to work collaboratively with the university, but they are reluctant to relinquish independence. Hunt Potter, the institute's director, said he was concerned about the institute losing its focus and statewide mission if it were absorbed by the university.

"If it's going to be a statewide institute, it should be governed by a statewide committee," Potter said.

Former House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, who envisioned the institute and succeeded in naming it after his father, reminded lawmakers the goal is to prevent and cure Alzheimer's disease. Deciding how to best govern the center is a complex issue, the Plant City Republican said, and he recommended the board include more "scientifically oriented" people.

Another hearing on the issues is scheduled for the first week in February in Tallahassee.