Jan 27, 2009
King County MS organization merges with National MS Society
Greater Washington Chapter
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County (MSA) - a source of counseling and care management services for people with MS since 1956 - will cease operation by the end of this year and will merge with the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society, which is assuming all MSA client services.
“We are pleased that the Puget Sound MS community now has a single place to turn for services, programs, education, and opportunities to volunteer and donate to the MS movement,” said Chapter Board Chair John Bjornson. “Most of all, we are very happy that the excellent services MSA clients have received through the years will continue and, in many cases, be enhanced through the National MS Society.”
While the current economic downturn did not directly influence the merger decision, said John and MSA Board Chair David Chambers in a joint letter to MSA clients and donors, “it reminds us of the obligation of nonprofit organizations to make the most efficient use of donor contributions entrusted to us.”
“We know you share our pride in MSA’s 52 years of service to people living with MS in our community,” the Board chairs noted. “This merger enables us to honor the Association’s legacy by continuing its services and building upon its successes. The leadership of both organizations considered this step very carefully and we agree that the merger is the right thing to do to most effectively and efficiently serve the MS community.”
MSA clients who have questions about their continuing services or other aspects of the merger are encouraged to contact the National MS Society at 206-284-4254 or to learn more about the Chapter’s local services and programs.
Honoring the legacy of MSA
A Seattle woman named Martha MacFarlane started the Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County in 1956. She believed that there was a need for an agency that would provide direct services to enable people with MS in our community to live fuller, healthier, more independent lives.
MSA’s long history of service to the MS community will always be remembered. For those who would like to commemorate the Association’s past work, a special page has been established on the Greater Washington Chapter Web site.
The benefits of a National connection
The merger of the MS Association of King County with the Greater Washington Chapter further strengthens the Chapter’s ability to serve people with MS in our community. And, it offers MSA clients the benefit of a connection to the most influential MS advocacy organization in the world: the National MS Society.
Since 1946, the Society has helped people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
The National MS Society has a 50-state network of chapters expending nearly $126 million a year to serve over one million people. Each year, the Society devotes more than $46 million to support over 440 research projects internationally.