Agency Details:

The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. (APDA) was founded in 1961 "To Ease The Burden, To Find The Cure" through research, as well as patient and caregiver support and education.

Description:
The information and referral center, each staffed by a medical director and coordinator, are the regional patient/caregiver resource and referral network. We provide educational materials, serve as a physician and services referral sources, establish and maintain support groups and offer free support and education.

At this present time there is a need for individuals to assist in public relations, graphic design and editing our quarterly newsletters. With our recent growth a need to improve our outreach to individuals just diagnosed by offering a monthly information meeting. A newly received grant has extended our services to the diagnosed who are employed, with children at home. This would include an online support group, a family day and extension on our website, www.apdaiowa.org.

Individuals with skills, and abilities in exercise, dance, art and voice are invited to contact the office to complement the lives of the people attending support groups.

History:
The grant was accepted April 20, 2005 through Iowa Health-Des Moines. This and the support of the Iowa Chapter, through fundraising, has expanded the coordinator from part-time to full-time. There is hope to add an additional staff person by 2009. All of this is possible due to fundraising through walks, golf tournaments and recently participation in the IMT Des Moines Marathon.

With over 30 support groups statewide support is represented with 3 regional seminars and one statewide conference. Much of this is possible due to grants and Iowa Chapter receiving funds through fundraising.

There are plans to extend to a membership drive to collect sufficient monies to expand our quarterly newsletter, enhance our website and offer services to the children of the individuals impacted by the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.

Contact person: Sam Erwin, (phone), (email)

Address:

1200 Pleasant Street, E-524 Des Moines, IA 50309 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.apdaiowa.org

Directions:

Our office is located in Iowa Methodist Medical Center in the east wing, fifth floor office number 524.

Last updated on June 4, 2009