The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati and Columbus has changed its name to Epilepsy Alliance Ohio. It’s one of the founding members of Epilepsy Alliance America. The name is new but the mission to provide support, resources and hope to Ohioans living with epilepsy remains unchanged and the top priority. Kathy Schrag, executive director of Epilepsy Alliance Ohio, provides insight into the disorder which affects approximately 126,000 Ohioans.
HealthScene Ohio: What was the catalyst for The Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Cincinnati and Columbus changing its name to Epilepsy Alliance Ohio?
Kathy Schrag: Epilepsy Alliance Ohio has been in existence since 1954 and provides programs and services to people in our community affected by epilepsy. Over the past few years, our Board of Directors felt the mission of Epilepsy Foundation of America was changing and that our local mission was no longer in alignment with the National Organization. Therefore, in July of 2018, we disaffiliated from Epilepsy Foundation of America to become Epilepsy Alliance Ohio. We are a proud founding member of Epilepsy Alliance America, along with eight other organizations who were once part of Epilepsy Foundation of America. We take pride in providing in-person programs and services such as counseling, support groups, education in schools with different curriculums for different audiences (school nurse, teachers, elementary, middle school students, first responders etc.) as well as advocacy services, spring/summer/fall camp for children and teens, and residential facilities for adults with a diagnosis of developmental disabilities and epilepsy.
Full interview here below.
https://www.cityscenecolumbus.com/health/expert-insight/epilepsy-alliance-ohio/