Parkinson's Foundation

Parkinson's Foundation

File:Parkinson's Foundation logo.png

Parkinson's Foundation logo

The Parkinson's Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by Parkinson's disease. Founded in 1957, the foundation has been at the forefront of research, education, and advocacy for Parkinson's disease.

History

The Parkinson's Foundation was established in 1957 as the National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) by Jeanne C. Levey and William Black. It was initially created to provide support and resources to individuals with Parkinson's disease and their families. Over the years, the foundation expanded its scope and became a leading organization in the field of Parkinson's disease.

In 2017, the National Parkinson Foundation merged with the Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) to form the Parkinson's Foundation. This merger brought together two prominent organizations with a shared mission to improve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of the Parkinson's Foundation is to make life better for people with Parkinson's disease by improving care and advancing research towards a cure. The foundation aims to achieve this mission through the following objectives:

1. Funding Research: The Parkinson's Foundation invests in cutting-edge research to better understand the causes and progression of Parkinson's disease. By supporting innovative research projects, the foundation aims to develop new treatments and ultimately find a cure.

2. Providing Support and Resources: The foundation offers a wide range of resources and support services to individuals with Parkinson's disease and their families. These include educational materials, support groups, and a helpline staffed by Parkinson's disease specialists.

3. Promoting Education and Awareness: The Parkinson's Foundation is committed to raising awareness about Parkinson's disease and educating the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. The foundation organizes educational events, conferences, and webinars to disseminate the latest information on Parkinson's disease.

4. Advocacy: The foundation advocates for policies and legislation that improve the lives of people with Parkinson's disease. Through its advocacy efforts, the foundation aims to ensure access to quality care, support research funding, and promote policies that address the needs of the Parkinson's community.

Programs and Initiatives

The Parkinson's Foundation runs several programs and initiatives to fulfill its mission. Some of the notable programs include:

1. Parkinson's Outcomes Project: This initiative aims to improve the quality of care for people with Parkinson's disease by collecting and analyzing data from thousands of patients. The project provides valuable insights into the best practices for managing Parkinson's disease and helps healthcare providers deliver personalized care.

2. Center of Excellence Network: The Parkinson's Foundation has established a network of medical centers known as Centers of Excellence. These centers provide comprehensive care for individuals with Parkinson's disease and serve as hubs for research, education, and community outreach.

3. Aware in Care: This program focuses on improving hospital stays for people with Parkinson's disease. It provides patients with a kit containing tools and resources to help healthcare professionals understand and manage their Parkinson's symptoms during hospitalization.

4. Parkinson's Advocates in Research (PAIR): This initiative engages people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers in research activities. PAIR members participate in clinical trials, provide feedback on research priorities, and contribute to the development of new treatments.

External Links

• Parkinson's Foundation Official Website
• Parkinson's Disease Information
• Centers of Excellence Network
• Aware in Care Program
• Parkinson's Advocates in Research