Each month, MFH spotlights a nationally recognized health issue, along with a MFH grantee related to the issue.

March is National Multiple Sclerosis Education & Awareness Month.

The Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society provides services to more than 4,000 people living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a 60-county area in eastern Missouri. The chapter offers many services including educational and wellness programs, an information helpline, counseling and therapeutic recreation.

The chapter also offers case management programs. In March 2005, MFH awarded a three-year, $316,000 grant to the chapter to expand case management services to enable more people with MS to get assistance in developing a long-term health care plan. The grant allowed for case managers to provide intensive one-on-one support and to manage the healthcare needs of individuals living with MS by conducting in-home assessments. Over the three-year grant period, approximately 2,500 persons will receive services.

For more information on the Gateway Area Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, visit their Web site.