National MS Society
Greater Carolinas Chapter
1-800-344-4867
www.nationalMSsociety.org/nct
Programs and Services
· Information/Literature – provides a wealth of information on different topics on MS (individual symptom management brochures, research, coping, etc.) If people have a question about it, chances are the Society has a pamphlet on it.
· MS Connection newsletter – published quarterly and provides information on research, legislative issues, chapter programs and fundraising activities. This newsletter goes out to clients and health care professionals.
· Momentum – this award-winning quarterly magazine from our National office provides information on the disease, human interest stories, research updates, etc. People with MS are eligible to get a free copy. They just need to contact the chapter to get on the mailing list.
· Lending Library – we have books, videos, DVD’s , cassettes, and CD’s on topics of interest to people with MS. They are used for short-term loan and the chapter provides self-addressed, stamped envelopes to return the items.
· Family/Social Programs – MS Adventures is the name of the chapter’s family and social programming. We offer families the opportunity to enjoy social and recreational activities together as family unit. MS Adventures has provided tickets to movie nights, bowling, baseball, basketball and hockey games. MS Adventures at Camp Chestnut Ridge is a weekend camp for children, ages 10-14, whose parents have MS.
· Education Programs – a wide variety of programs are offered to people with MS, their families and health care professionals. These programs range from in-person meetings to teleconferences and focus on a variety of topics.
· Financial Assistance – the chapter offers financial assistance to people with MS who meet financial guidelines. This support can assist with crisis situations (food, utilities, rent, etc.), and purchase of medical equipment. We also provide money to assist with home and vehicle modifications.
· Equipment Program – the chapter maintains an equipment closet managed by a durable medical equipment company for people who may want to borrow a piece of equipment short-term or may not have the funds or insurance to purchase it on their own.
· Respite Care Program – this program provides certified nursing assistants to relieve the caregiver so that they can get out of the house. This is not home health, but a means of helping the caregiver get some quality time out of the house. The chapter provides up to 48 hours a year to qualified individuals.
· Care Management Program – This program is targeted towards people with MS who have complex issues and need assistance to help them connect to agencies in their area. It will provide a social worker who does an in-home assessment and then links client to community resources.
· Wellness Scholarships - This program offers newly diagnosed individuals (2 years or less) $100 to help them pay for a health club membership, personal trainer or exercise classes. The money is paid to the business, not the individual.
· Kid’s Fund - This program offers financial assistance to children who have a parent or guardian living with MS. The funds can be used to join sports teams, purchase uniforms, attend field trips, purchase school supplies, and more. The money is paid to businesses, not the family.
· Information & Referral – Available by calling toll-free 1-800-344-4867, our MS Navigators are skilled professionals equipped to respond to your needs. Whether you are a person living with MS, a friend or family member, the National MS Society is your partner in helping you find information and resources you need.
· Connection Programs – the chapter offers the following programs to help people with MS cope with the disease.
o Self-Help Groups – these groups are lead by people with MS. They offer education programs and support to people with MS and their families.
o MSFriends – This program connects you with volunteers living with MS. The common bond of living with MS creates a unique connection. Call the MSFriends helpline at 1-866-673-7436.
o Telephone Support Groups – lead by a mental health professional, these groups are open to people with MS who may be unable to travel to regular self-help groups because of more severe disability or lack of transportation.
· Advocacy – The VP of Public Policy and Community Programs Manager – SC attend meetings at the legislature, committee meetings, and work with legislators to increase funding and services for people with disabilities and more specifically, people with MS. We also have an Action Alert network that people can sign up for by simply calling the Society. An e-mail will be sent when contact is needed.
· Web site – www.nationalmssociety.org is the web site for the National MS Society. It provides a wealth of information and resources. You can also search for your local chapter and be connected to the Greater Carolinas Chapter web page as well from this site.
· Keep S’Myelin – this is a quarterly newsletter for younger children who have a parent with MS. There are interactive games, a story and a discussion sheet for parents. Children (ages 5-12) who may want to receive this newsletter can have their parents contact the chapter to get on the mailing list.
· Knowledge is Power (KIP) – KIP is a 6 week program for people who are newly diagnosed with MS. Articles are mailed each week on a specific topic. A DVD narrated by “Today” show host, Meredith Vierra also comes with the program. This DVD talks about emotional coping with the disease.