CHERRY HILL, N.J., Feb. 2, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) has expanded its regional offices from five to six with the addition of the Western Regional Office. The Western Region is headquartered in San Francisco, California and under the direction of Amanda Montague (pronounced "Mon-taig"). The region encompasses California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. Along with the addition of the Western Region, MSAA also re-aligned its other five regional offices to provide each state with a regional office.
Montague is a graduate of Harvard University's Graduate School of Education, earning a master's degree in risk and prevention. With a strong background in evaluation and social work, Montague hopes to use her skills to develop strong regional programs such as support groups, awareness events, workshops, and other programs. Montague will be focusing on building support groups in the area, and she actively is looking for support group leaders. If you are interested in becoming a support group leader please contact Amanda at (800) 532-7667, ext 155 or (415) 260-6420. More information about support group leaders is available on MSAA's website at www.msaa.com/v_support_grp.html.
MSAA's President and CEO Douglas Franklin is excited about the establishment of the Western Regional Office and MSAA's expanding role in this area of the country. "Through our physical presence on the west coast, especially in the California area, MSAA will be looking to forge key relationships within the community to support MSAA's mission," states Franklin. "We are looking forward to providing even more support groups, educational programs, and other activities to individuals affected by MS in this region."
The expansion of MSAA's physical presence in the western states will allow for more programs and services to people with multiple sclerosis and their families. MSAA also hopes to promote a greater understanding of MS and the diverse needs and challenges of people who are affected by MS in these states. "MSAA is very excited about bringing our wide array of client focused services to the western part of our nation," says MSAA Vice President for Programs & Services Robert Rapp. "Our commitment to help those with MS and their care partners meet the day-to-day challenges has led us to develop programs that make a real difference. This expansion will allow us to assist more people affected by MS than ever before."
Montague is looking forward to fostering a strong relationship with those in the MS community and is motivated to ensure that MSAA's mission is the foundation for which these relationships are built upon. "I am extremely excited to be a part of the MSAA team and look forward to working with MS clients and care partners throughout the Western Region. We have already heard from many people throughout the region who are interested in joining a support group, and are continuing to look for those who might be interested in joining a support group, serving as a support group leader, or volunteering for MSAA," says Montague.
"I am actively working on establishing MSAA activities throughout California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, and Utah. I encourage anyone to contact me with any questions or suggestions on how MSAA can best serve the MS community in the Western Region."
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people affected by multiple sclerosis. MSAA offers programs and services including a toll-free Helpline (1-800-532-7667); support groups; equipment ranging from grab bars to wheelchairs; home modifications; MRI funding and insurance advocacy; educational literature including a quarterly magazine, The Motivator; Lending Library; a cooling program for heat-sensitive individuals, and more.
The most common neurological disorder diagnosed in young adults, multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. This disorder damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves, causing reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. MS is not contagious or fatal.
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of Americaogo logo can be found at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1392