Mar 11, 2009
Chapter Announces Local Programs and Services Campaign
The Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the National MS Society is pleased to announce the kick-off of a new fundraising campaign focused on providing local programs and services. The campaign, with a goal of $100,000, began during National MS Awareness Week.
During this time of economic uncertainty, the demand for local programs and services is higher than usual. Calls to the National MS Society regarding financial assistance have increased 95% over this time last year. A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 36% of chronically ill individuals interviewed have delayed medical care in the past year due to cost. Additionally, 3 in 11 individuals have skipped a test or treatment, and 11% have reduced the number or dosage of medication due to cost.
Because multiple sclerosis impacts the entire family, the goal of the National MS Society is to empower everyone affected by the disease by offering them hope and help. While the hope comes in the form of the most aggressive and results-focused research strategy possible, the help comes through direct assistance with the daily challenges of living with the unpredictable and chronic disease.
The Eastern North Carolina Chapter is committed to providing the best programs and services available to meet the growing needs of people who depend on us. In eastern NC, this represents more than 4,600 people living with MS, along with their families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. The Chapter is committed to doing more in the areas of direct financial assistance, customized client care, and enhanced family support to ensure that local people living with MS have as high a quality of life as possible.
The new Local Programs and Services campaign will help fund the following programs: crisis financial assistance, home and auto modifications, durable medical equipment purchases and loans, individualized care management, health scholarships, newly diagnosed screenings, respite care, the kids fund, college scholarships and transportation.
To learn more about the Local Programs and Services campaign, or for additional information on how you can join the movement, contact Staci Barfieldat staci.barfield@nct.nmss.org or (919) 792-1002. To donate online, visit our donation center.