Western Pennsylvania Chapter
Pittsburgh Office
1501 Reedsdale Street, Suite 105
Pittsburgh, PA 15233
1-800-FIGHT-MS (344-4867)
nationalmssociety.org/chapters/pax/index.aspx

Local Programs & Services

MS Comprehensive Care Centers

The Chapter partners with the University of Pittsburgh, UPMC MS Center (412-692-4920), the West Penn Allegheny MS Treatment Center (412-359-8850), and the Northshore Neurosciences UPMC Hamot MS Center (814- 452-8300) to support a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals that offer comprehensive care for the diagnosis and treatment of MS. In addition, a chapter representative is on site one day a week at the MS Centers to provide information about chapter programs & services and makes appropriate community referrals.

Information and Referral

The Chapter provides current information and education on all aspects of the disease. The Chapter maintains a complete and up-to-date library of books, journals, videotapes and audiotapes on a wide range of topics related to MS. Materials are mailed upon request and include postage-paid return envelopes. The Chapter also makes referrals to health care professionals and community agencies that offer assistance with MS-related issues.

Medical Equipment Assistance

The Chapter provides financial assistance for physician prescribed durable medical equipment and adaptations to the home and car to maximize independence. An equipment loan program is also available to Chapter members.

Respite Program

The Chapter provides assistance in arranging and financing temporary respite care for family care partners to give them a break from their care giving responsibilities. Respite can be provided in-home or in a long-term care facility.

REACH Program

REACH is a grant funded program that addresses the issue of abuse in persons with MS. Individual case management and safety planning is offered to provide respite, education, advocacy, counseling and housing assistance.

Exercise and Wellness Programs

The Chapter provides funding for aquatics, yoga, equestrian therapy and specially designed weight management, wellness and fitness courses for persons with MS.

Newly Diagnosed Support

Educational programs, designed for people newly diagnosed with MS, are held periodically to provide accurate and supportive information on living with MS. An “at-home” learning guide called Knowledge is Power is also available by mail.

Self-Help Groups

Groups led by trained peer leaders are held on an on-going basis throughout Western Pennsylvania. The groups meet primarily for educational and social purposes, allowing members to share feelings and find support with others in similar situations.

Peer Support

Trained persons with MS and concerned care partners are available to talk with you or a family member in a supportive confidential relationship over the phone. A Peer Support Person might be just what you or a family member needs to help share your concerns about living with MS.

Family Programs

The Chapter offers educational seminars and recreational programs for family members caring for or living with a loved on with MS. An animated video, “Timmy’s Journey with MS”, is available to teach children about MS. The Chapter also offers support programs for children with MS and their parents.

Advocacy

Tough fights for fair public policies often require a combination of strategies, and coordinated actions. To make that happen at the critical moment, the Society’s MS Action Alert Network sends an e-mail to all network members. It just takes a click for members to send their lawmakers a pre-written or personal email.

MS Paws Program

In the event of an emergency, we know you have a lot to take into consideration. With some advance planning, your companion animal could be the least of them. The Chapter has teamed up with Animal Friends, Pittsburgh’s Only No-Kill Shelter, to provide temporary care for your furry friend.

Research

The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to create a world free of MS.
To advance our mission, the National MS Society is the largest private sponsor of MS research in the world. We support research and training projects aimed at finding the cause of MS, better treatments, and a cure. The MS Society also identifies promising areas of research, promotes activity in those areas, and stimulates MS research worldwide by sponsoring international workshops where scientists meet to exchange ideas. To learn more about research sponsored by the National MS Society and News Bulletins on general MS research, please see: www.nationalmssociety.org/research.asp