We’re Here to Help
Whether you have come to this site for the first time because you’ve been newly diagnosed or you’ve lived with MS for years, you have arrived at the right place for program, service, research, resources, and event information. The Rhode Island Chapter of the National MS Society has been serving the community for 56 years and is committed to helping people with MS live in the most productive ways possible.
You are not alone. We’re here to help.
We Can Help
You’ve made the right decision. When you contact the Rhode Island Chapter of the National MS Society, doors open to a network of programs and services for you and your family. Through generous donations from you and our community, we can offer the following programs and services:
Select a topic:
• Information Resource Center - 800.344.4867
• Newly Diagnosed
• Self Help and Support
• MS Partners in Care
• Financial Assistance
• Physical Wellness Fund
• Insurance and Money Matters
• College Scholarships
Information Resource Center - 800.344.4867
The Information Resource Center is not only for people with MS but also for family members, friends, employers, and health care professionals. Supportive professional staff members are available to speak with you Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., EST. Call the Information Resource Center at 800.344.4867 to obtain information about hundreds of topics including:
• MS and the newly diagnosed
• Current research and treatments
• Community and medical resource referrals
• Health and Social Security benefits
Newly Diagnosed
It can be difficult to hear the words “you have MS” for the first time. You’ll have many questions about what this diagnosis means and how it will impact your life and the lives of your loved ones.
You are not alone. The Rhode Island Chapter of the National MS Society is here to help answer your questions, provide resources and education, and connect you with supportive networks. We offer:
• Annual “Newly Diagnosed” Workshops
• Support groups
• Reading materials
• Community resources
Call our trained staff members, who are ready and happy to assist you. They can be reached at 401.738.8383, Option 1.
The Rhode Island Chapter of the National MS Society offers a wide range of selp help and support opportunities for our clients. Please click here for information.
Ms Partners in Care is the Rhode Island Chapter’s free, short-term care management program designed to:
• help Rhode Island residents with MS discover and access community resources
• ensure that people with MS are as safe as possible in their homes
• ease the stress that care partners may experience
MS Partners in Care offers care management services to help stabilize the person with MS and their family during a difficulty or crisis. The Chapter contracts with care managers who meet with clients at home and work to create a care plan based on the client’s needs. We help clients research and locate services and resources, and we assist them in navigating the systems necessary to receive vital help. A doctor’s referral is not necessary to receive this service.
Call the Chapter’s Information and Referral Center at 800.344.4867 or 401.738.8383, Option 1.
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Financial Assistance Program
We offer direct assistance to people affected by MS who need items or services to improve their quality of life and maintain independence. We recognize that the disease can be very costly and understand the unpredictable and challenging situations that can arise in a life affected by MS.
Financial Assistance is available on an individual basis to Chapter members with a confirmed diagnosis of MS living in Rhode Island. Each request is reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Chapter program staff. We do not provide assistance for prescriptions/medications, medical bills, etc.
Example of covered items include:
• Durable medical equipment
• Adaptive and assistive devices
• Cooling devices (clothing & ACs)
• Modifications to home or auto
• Limited homemaker services
Our program policy and application are available to view & print HERE.
Contact us if you have any questions or would like to receive an application packet: 401.738.8383 (press option 1).
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National MS Society’s Rhode Island Chapter makes a commitment to you and your overall wellness with our Physical Wellness Fund. The fund allows Chapter members with MS to be reimbursed up to $50 per year for a physical activity of their choosing. Examples of activities that would qualify include memberships in health clubs and YMCAs or yoga, tai chi, exercise, and aquatics classes.
Contact us for more information: 401.738.8383 (press option 1)