Local Office Spotlight: Epilepsy Foundation Northeastern New York
Epilepsy News From: Tuesday, July 24, 2018
This month, we are shining a spotlight on the Epilepsy Foundation Northeastern New York (NENY). This local Foundation addresses the importance of care coordination for people with epilepsy. While the use of community health workers or other non-traditional healthcare providers (such as care coordinators) is still a developing field, Epilepsy Foundation NENY has been a leader in their local community, providing these services for over 24 years.
The Role of Care Coordinators
Supporting care coordination and mobilizing community partnerships is a goal for the Epilepsy Foundation partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Local Foundations like Epilepsy Foundation NENY provide a model of care to support people with epilepsy through various aspects of life.
Epilepsy Foundation NENY currently has 9 care coordinators on staff, who aid with coordinating services through Medicare, individual and family grant-funded programs, and services specifically for those affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Services offered address a wide variety of needs, including:
- Counseling
- Epilepsy education
- Housing support
- Recreational programs
- Transportation
- Support groups
Meet Lexi
Epilepsy Foundation NENY's care coordination services helped change Lexi's life. Lexi was diagnosed in 2006 with focal onset aware seizures, tonic-clonic, and absence seizures. The coordinated services from Epilepsy Foundation NENY helped Lexi face the challenges of epilepsy, including issues with memory, treatment options, and working with her school to ensure that she received appropriate support.
Lexi recently served as an advocate for New York by serving as a teen ambassador in the Epilepsy Foundation's Teens Speak Up! Program. Services from the Epilepsy Foundation NENY continue to support Lexi and others in their community.
Learn More about the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York
- Education for a variety of providers, including school and childcare personnel, senior caregivers, and first responders
- Opportunities for kids to get involved, including the Winning Kid program, scholarships, and the Barrington Bears program
- Studio E Art Program
Thank You Again To The Epilepsy Foundation Northeastern New York For Their Work In Providing Care Coordination to Support People With Epilepsy. We Are Happy To Shine A Spotlight On This Local Epilepsy Foundation!
Authored by
Jody R. Kakacek MNPM | PhD | Senior Director of Programs
Reviewed by
Liz Dueweke MPH
Reviewed Date
Tuesday, July 24, 2018