About the National MS Society
Multiple sclerosis stops people from moving. The National MS Society exists to make sure it doesn’t. We help each person address the challenges of living with MS through our 50 state network of chapters. The National MS Society funds more MS research, provides more services to people with MS, offers more professional education and furthers more advocacy efforts than any other MS organization in the world. The society is dedicated to creating a world free of MS.
About the Minnesota Chapter
The Minnesota Chapter represents an estimated 9,000 people with MS in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We provide countless resources for people living with MS and their families, friends and care partners, including:
- The chapter’s four licensed social workers, or MS navigators, can connect people with MS to resources and answer their questions about living with MS, housing options, Social Security and more.
- More than 65 support and counseling groups
- Independent Living Grants provide financial assistance to help families living with purchase products and services such as medical equipment, aids for daily living, home/auto modification, chore services and respite care for care partners.
- Emergency financial assistance is available to help steer families out of a crisis by helping to pay for things like utility bills and mortgages.
- Educational programs about research, treatments, symptom management and more
- Exercise and wellness programs
- Getaways and camps to offer an opportunity for fun, relaxation and friendship
- Programs for youth and teens who have a parent or relative with MS
- Social and educational opportunities and support for care partners, friends and families of people with MS
- Advocacy efforts for legislation on MS-related issues. During the 2009 legislative session the Minnesota Chapter will advocate on a bill to limit high co-payments on MS disease-modifying drugs and a caregiver tax credit bill.