National Multiple Sclerosis Society Blue Ridge Chapter

Programs: Research - to move us closer to a world free of ms, in 2014, the blue ridge chapter contributed towards the national multiple sclerosis society's investment of an estimated 50. 6 million to support more than 380 research projects around the world aimed at stopping ms in its tracks, restoring function, and ending the disease forever. The society collaborates worldwide to develop solutions for everyone affected by ms, including those with progressive ms, through the accelerated discovery and commercial development of promising research discoveries, new ms therapies, and research tools.

client programs - people living with ms, family members, caregivers and other members of their support systems connect to each other and to an extensive variety of programs, services and resources. Many community based programs facilitate education, recreation, physical and emotional wellness, connection with others with ms, and family communication. Other programs, such as the financial assistance program, support independence, safety, health and quality of life for people living with ms and their families by offering guidance and resources to help contain the financial and other impacts of ms.

society activities - costs associated with funding constituent and community service, public education, and professional education conducted nationwide (beyond the chapter's territory) for the benefit of individuals living with ms. The past year, more than 200,000 people living with ms received information, emotional support, and connections to resources and programs through the society's ms navigator program. In addition, more than 100,000 people attended groups and programs, and over 1. 1 million people engaged in conversations and accessed information and support through the society's social media channels.

community programs - the society collaborates with dozens of other community organizations, focusing on access to health care, rehabilitation, treatments and therapies; long-term care; disability rights issues; vocational training and rehab, wellness and fitness; and outreach and education to rural and underserved populations. Professional education & training - activities or programs designed to improve the knowledge, skills and critical judgement of physicians and other healthcare professionals engaged (directly or indirectly) in providing patient care by keeping them abreast of new diagnostic techniques, therapies, etc. The society provides information and education to thousands of health care professionals through the society's clinical care network and website, the society's md on call program, and educational materials for physical and occupational therapists, mental health professional, nurses and cnas and others. A free electronic newsletter is distributed quarterly to more than 10,000 health care professionals, and the society's diagnostic and symptom management smartphone app has been downloaded more than 45,000 times. Public education - there are many ways the society educates the public about multiple sclerosis including the society's annual ms awareness campaign, public service announcements, momentum, the society's quarterly magazine distributed to people with ms, healthcare providers, supporters of the society and more. In addition to a nation-wide e-newsletter, chapters also distribute a local newsletter, ms connection, to their constituents that includes local announcements and information on upcoming programs and services, and more. In total, more than 1. 6 million people receive society publications, newsletters and momentum each year.