EPILEPSY FOUNDATION OF DELAWARE

Programs: The epilepsy foundation of delaware is a private, non-profit service organization providing public education and supportive services to individuals and families affected by epilepsy/seizure disorders. Our mission is to lead the fight to stop seizures, find a cure and overcome challenges created by epilepsy. In fy 2014/15, a total of 4,757 people were served in our community education and support programs through the state of delaware. There following is a breakout of our programs:seizure recognition & management for school personnel: a program provided to 1003 school administrators and schools throughout delaware with the goal of increasing basic understanding of epilepsy as a medical condition, knowledge about types of seizures, how to recognize a seizure and what to do when a seizure occurs. Be seizure smart for teens: a program provided to 2,793 students in health classes and designed to both eliminate stigma and increase knowledge of epilepsy for all teens in delaware. Law enforcement training: a program provided to 395 law enforcement officers, correctional officers, police cadets, and emergency response personnel to increase their recognition of seizures and promote safe and appropriate intervention practices for persons with seizure disorders. This program also seeks to reduce inappropriate arrests and improve access to timely and appropriate medical intervention, as well as educate law enforcement on how partial complex seizures can often present as mental illness or drug/alcohol intoxication. Managing students with seizures: a training for school nurses: a program provided to 72 school nurses with the goal of increasing information, strategies, and resources to better manage students with seizures. The program helps nurses to recognize seizures and their effects, know current treatment options and their side effects, know appropriate first aid, develop a seizure action plan for a student with epilepsy, and provide training for other school personnel on appropriate care for students with seizures. Seizure training for healthcare professionals: a program provided to 310 health practitioners who have many have contact with patients with seizure disorders. Training sessions are provided with the goal of reducing the number of undiagnosed or misdiagnosed cases of epilepsy and ensure more appropriate treatment and access to health care for underserved patients. The program is adapted for health professionals at all levels from nursing assistants to family doctors. Information and support: a direct support program provided to 194 people affected by seizures and epilepsy consisting of in-person meetings, telephone and online support, monthly support group and an emergency medication fund for low-income individual.