All America Chapter, Hawaii Office
In the early 1990s, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society established specific criteria for chapters to meet in order to maintain their status. This criteria included minimum standards for areas like program delivery, technological capabilities and reserve funds, regardless of the demographic makeup of a chapter's service area. For many of the smaller chapters with limited financial and staff resources, the ability to meet these new certification standards was impossible.
Understanding the value of maintaining a local identity and presence, the National MS Society took the innovative move of bringing these struggling chapters together under one umbrella by establishing the All America Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The All America Chapter is a unique organization comprised of 15 geographically dispersed former chapters (currently known as Offices) who have united to better serve the needs of more than 27,000 people living with MS.
The All America Chapter’s service area covers a vast territory including: Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico, the Texas Panhandle and Western Texas, West Virginia, the South Central and Western area of Kansas. Our service area has a population of more than 20 million residents, making us the largest National MS Society chapter in terms of population and territory, as well as the chapter serving the greatest number of persons diagnosed with MS.
Today, the All America Chapter moves forward as one Chapter, built from the success of many communities and offering support and knowledge to others. We are one Chapter with the shared vision to increase the awareness of multiple sclerosis to the public; to establish a stronger, more active volunteer base and utilize their unique talents; and to enlist the support of our communities to Join our Movement.
The Hawaii Office of the All America Chapter is one of a 70-plus-chapter network across the United States that advances the Society’s mission. Chartered in 1967, the Office provides services and programs to more than 600 people with MS and their families throughout the State of Hawaii.
The Office funds research, furthers education, advocates for people with disabilities, provides referrals to healthcare providers and other resources within the community. It also provides short-term durable medical equipment loans to people with MS, which is funded through the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.
All America Chapter Board of Directors
Local Staff:
Lyn Moku, Programs and Services Manager, Office Manager
Diana Su, Development Coordinator, Special Events