Epilepsy Foundation America and Epilepsy Foundation (Australia) have announced a joint collaboration to Expand Outreach and Awareness Efforts
Epilepsy Foundation of America and Epilepsy Foundation (Australia) today announced a strategic alliance that will expand both organizations’ efforts for, and impact on, the global epilepsy community. The alliance will combine the thought leadership and best practices of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and Epilepsy Foundation (Australia) to enhance awareness about epilepsy and seizures among a broader audience.
“Misunderstanding and lack of awareness about epilepsy is a global problem,” said Robert W. Smith, interim chief executive officer of the Epilepsy Foundation of America. “Through our work and international partnerships, we have seen the need for more collaborative approaches across regions to increase understanding of seizures and better assist people with epilepsy. We are thrilled about this alliance with Epilepsy Foundation (Australia) which embodies our shared vision of improving the social condition and quality of life of the people we are privileged to serve. Together, we are poised to make greater impact and achieve our goal to END EPILEPSY®.”
As part of the alliance, the organizations plan to share leading practices and knowledge around research, digital communications, seizure first aid education and training in order to disseminate epilepsy education across a broader epilepsy community.
“Isolation and disconnection from community, and access to education and work opportunities, are big issues for people living with epilepsy,” said Graeme Shears, chief executive officer of the Epilepsy Foundation (Australia). We believe the best interests of people living with epilepsy are served through collaboration. We believe this strategic alliance will be very valuable in helping both organizations better resolve the problems that people living with epilepsy face every day.”
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce seizures which are sudden abnormal bursts of electrical energy that disrupt brain functions. According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder worldwide with no age, racial, social class, national or geographic boundaries. There are 65 million people around the world who live with epilepsy.
About the Epilepsy Foundation of America
With a network of nearly 50 partners throughout the United States, the Epilepsy Foundation connects people to treatment, support and resources; leads advocacy efforts; funds innovative research and the training of specialists; and educates the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid. For more than five decades, the Epilepsy Foundation has shone a light on epilepsy to promote awareness and understanding, and to advocate for laws that matter to people with epilepsy, while also funding $65 million for epilepsy research and supporting 3,076 epilepsy investigators and specialists in their early careers. Over the past 17 years, in partnership with the CDC, the Epilepsy Foundation has helped to improve access to care for people with epilepsy, expanded its digital reach and online resources in homes across the country, and trained more than 500,000 school and community personnel in how to recognize seizures and administer seizure first aid. The Epilepsy Foundation has also assisted more than 108,000 people through its 24/7 Helpline in the past five years, and continues to focus on innovation, new therapies, community services, advocacy and education as key priorities. To learn more visit epilepsy.com or call 1.800.332.1000. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Epilepsy Foundation (Australia)
The Epilepsy Foundation Australia was founded in 1964 and works to ensure that ‘no one with epilepsy goes it alone’. The Foundation supports people who live with epilepsy as well as individuals and organisations that support, care for or work with people with epilepsy. It focuses on effective knowledge translation, applying the latest research from around the world to develop effective and practical programs and information for people with epilepsy. Services include: advice on managing and living well with epilepsy, the provision of individualised Epilepsy Management Plans and Emergency Medication Management Plans; education and training, either in person or online, for individuals, community organisations, aged care facilities, disability service providers, companies and schools; and peer support for families, young people and adults with epilepsy. The Epilepsy Foundation works in partnership with epilepsy and other service providers across Australia and is developing the national Epilepsy Smart Australia program of information, support and education and training, including the Epilepsy Smart Schools program. In 2006, the Epilepsy Foundation instigated the Australian Epilepsy Research Register and has completed 4 waves of the Longitudinal Study into the psychosocial impacts of epilepsy on Australian lives. For further information visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.au or call 1300 761 487. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
