Have A Question?
Answers when you need them.
Dial 1-800-344-4867.
Some 200,000 callers a year dial this number. Regardless of why they call, they tap into a network linking them to the chapter of the National MS Society that is nearest to them (the phone company cleverly does this) and to a vast database of resources managed by our Information Resource Center, or the IRC, in Denver, Colorado.
One phone number works for the entire country. If you should call after hours, you’ll be asked to leave a message. But if you have an emergency, don’t wait. Call 911 right away — and plan to get in touch with us as soon as the immediate problem has been resolved.
No hablan Inglés?
Choose Spanish — or other languages as needed. Vamos a encontrar a alguien que le ayude.
What happens when you dial 1-800-344-4867?
You might be calling to find out about one of our educational programs, a trip or an outing, or our Bike MS and Walk MS events. You might want to volunteer. Or you might be calling for assistance — the co-pay on a wheelchair or ways to fund home modifications. You might need someone to talk to about the changes MS is making in your family life or you might need a referral to an MS-savvy health-care professional.
You’ll get help from an MS Navigator™ — a trained human service professional, whether your call is answered here or at the national center. MS Navigators undergo comprehensive training to answer questions on just about anything you might need to know about living with MS. The central database has links to national, state and local resources, which cuts down on paper chases and endless phone calls.
More than just the facts
“The system is here to help people navigate the challenging waters of MS so they get what they need, when they need it,” said Nancy Law, the Society’s executive vice president of Programs and Services.
“Our mission includes emotional support,” added Lisa Custy, MSCIR, associate vice president of the IRC. “We don’t give information in a vacuum.”
Information is a two-way street, Custy added. Chapter staff regularly update local and area resources. If you’ve discovered a resource that would be helpful to other people with MS, call us about it.
Sooner is usually better
“The sooner people call us when there’s a problem, the more likely that it can be resolved,” Law added. “Waiting until things are dire — until an eviction notice is on the door — may make it harder. But whenever you call, please know the Society is here for you.”