We Need Your Help!
A survey is presently being conducted by a graduate student from Western Carolina University on transportation and epilepsy. Participants need to be 18 and above with at least a two year history of epilepsy. Information from this survey will be very helpful in assessing the transportation issues that people with epilepsy face in our state. If you would be interested in participating in this survey contact: Patricia Gibson at the Epilepsy Information Service at 1-800-642-0500 or email:pgibson@wakehealth.edu
Medication Fund
Epilepsy affects 1 in 26 people Support the Epilepsy Medication Fund
History of the Epilepsy Medication Fund
The Epilepsy Information Service (EIS), a nationwide toll-free information line, launched in 1979. One of the most important goals is to personally connect and learn the needs and concerns of those with epilepsy. The primary need of many callers in North Carolina is for assistance with purchasing their medication. Epilepsy medications are expensive, often costing more than $1,000 a month. For those not covered by insurance or other programs, these costs are prohibitive.
Patricia Gibson, Director of EIS as well as Executive Director of EANC, brought this pressing concern to the attention of the North Carolina legislature, and a bill was passed in 1989 that established the Epilepsy Medication Fund. For the next 20 years, $75,000 had been allotted annually for epilepsy medication assistance. From the beginning, the funds were never enough to meet the demand, and had to be supplemented by fundraisers throughout the year. Sadly, all state funding for epilepsy, including the Medication Fund, was completely eliminated from the budget by the North Carolina Legislature in 2009.
Now, more than ever, it takes the generosity of private sector donors to help keep this vital access to life-saving epilepsy medications available.
Words cannot properly convey the vital importance of the Epilepsy Medication Fund. It saves lives and prevents hospitalizations, injuries and emotional turmoil.
Pay for a person's epilepsy medicine Support the Epilepsy Medication Fund
Other ways to get involved
Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina
Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A
1920 W. First Street
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Telephone: (800) 451-0694
Local: (336) 716-2320
Fax: (336) 716-6018
Email: PGibson@WakeHealth.edu