At the National MS Society, we relentlessly advocate for federal, state, and local government change essential to people with MS.
We must work together to break down barriers to care, improve access to quality health services, and make MS therapies more affordable. We must fight for disability rights, MS research funding, and long-term care resources.
We are activists. We make MS issues national priority issues. We share our personal stories. And we ask our public officials for change that benefits people living with MS and others with disabilities and chronic illnesses.
Change happens through MS activism. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org/MSactivist
ABOUT US
The National MS Society and individuals nationwide relentlessly advocate every day for community, state, and federal issues that impact the lives of people with MS. Our MS activists are the voices of change for the approximately 400,000 people living with MS nationwide including those within the North Central States Chapter: 3,942 in Iowa; 1,160 North Dakota; 1,265 in South Dakota; 20 in Dakota County in Nebraska; and 213 in Kittson, Marshall, Polk, Norman, Clay and Wilkin counties in Minnesota.
Since we are a chapter that involves advocacy efforts in five different states, we have focused our efforts on the three main states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. In each of these states we maintain a local Government Relations Committee with volunteers who are activists for local and state issues that have an impact on the lives of people who have MS.
- In North Dakota since they meet every other year, the chapter has focused on the education of our state legislators on what is MS and what services are provided by the chapter.
- In South Dakota we have been successful in the passage of legislation that would mandate a statewide building code for new construction that includes accessibility.
- In Iowa, our efforts have relied on the volunteers in the area who are focused on the passage of an Iowa Scratch Lottery Ticket and the issues of lack of slots available under the Home and Community Based Wavier Services for people with disabilities.
• Get Involved
Find easy ways to be an MS activist, including tips and tools.
• Priority MS Issues
Learn about our priorities for improved health care legislation and government programs — at the community, state and national levels.
• About MS Activism
Read about the movement to raise awareness for MS and call for change.
• Success Stories
Read about other MS activists and our success stories.
• Share Your Story
Tell us about your experiences and how you see health care reform.
• Government Programs
Read about available government programs and how they are working for people living with MS.
• Advocacy Resources
Learn about advocacy basics, who represents you, voter registration information, and other useful links.
CONTACT
Change happens through MS activism. Join the movement at www.nationalMSsociety.org/MSactivist. For more details about being an advocate in SD, ND or IA contact Patty Brooks at patty.brooks@nmss.org or call 1-800-344-4867.
South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds signs the SB 154 bill to ensure building codes meet ADA regulations, March 2009.