Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA
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Mission Statement
The Epilepsy Association of Western and Central Pennsylvania (the EAWCP) provides services to people with epilepsy in 49 counties in western and central Pennsylvania, leading the fight to stop seizures, find a cure, and overcome the challenges created by epilepsy.
About This Cause
The Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA, established in 1972 offers programs and services for children, adults, and their families. With staff in Erie and regional offices in Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh we provide nationally recognized programs, services, support, and events for individuals and families living with epilepsy. The statistical phrase ‘one in 26’ represents one person in 26 who will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. The work of the EAWCP is supported through private donations, a variety of grants, and a contract with the PA Department of Health, as well as special fundraising events. With the support of a volunteer Board of Directors and Professional Advisory Committee that provides medical expertise, the EAWCP works to ensure an improved quality of life for those who face the challenges presented by epilepsy and seizure disorders. The EAWCP provides services to individuals and families who are in need of assistance in seizure management. Program services include: • Camp Frog – a nationally recognized program that places extra supportive and medical services into existing YMCA summer camp programs, allowing children and teens to enjoy camp just like their peers. The EAWCP trains camp staff on seizure recognition and first aid, and provides counselors in the cabins as well as additional medical staff to supervise medication administration and any seizure related medical care required. The EAWCP sponsors two week-long, overnight summer sessions of Camp Frog located at Camp Conrad Weiser near Reading, and at Camp Fitch near Erie. In addition to the medical support that Camp Frog provides, the program helps children to naturally develop more independence, make new friends, and learn new skills at camp. • Camp Firefly – When children are not eligible for Camp Frog, a new opportunity piloted in 2016 is now available for individuals with epilepsy plus other developmental disorders. Camp Firefly is held twice each year for an extended weekend on the campus of the Woodlands in Wexford, PA. • The Oscar Project – The Oscar Project is a program that helps families obtain seizure response dogs. This program was developed to give a person with epilepsy independence. Recipients will receive a service dog that is trained to respond to their seizures with a specific action such as hitting a button to alert a loved one or first responders. • Emergency Medication Assistance Program – The Emergency Medication program continues to provide a one-month supply of anti-seizure medication for a person who cannot afford their medications. Then during that month, staff work with the person to find programs and supports to help them pay for their medication going forward. • Project School Alert – The Project School Alert program is designed to educate students, teachers, school nurses, support staff and families about epilepsy and seizure disorders. The program is facilitated by a coordinator who discusses how to recognize symptoms of seizures, how to respond, how to provide any necessary first aid, provide emotional and educational support for the child with epilepsy and help other kids understand the complexity of epilepsy. • Respite Care Program – The respite care program provides temporary relief for family caregivers with the ongoing responsibility of caring for an individual of any age with epilepsy. The physical, emotional and financial consequences for a caregiver can be overwhelming without some support. Some caregivers may use the respite care opportunity to spend time with friends and family, rest and relax, shop or run errands, take a day trip, exercise, or any other activity that may alleviate the responsibility of care for a short period of time. • Education Events – Educational opportunities are a priority for the EAWCP. By offering seminars, mini-conferences, and group sessions, the EAWCP focuses on transition from pediatric to adult health care, epilepsy treatments, and therapies. • Patient Education, Information and Referral Services - Educating those with epilepsy/seizure disorders helps these individuals and their families to cope with seizures in everyday life, exploring treatment options to determine how they can adjust to a diagnosis of epilepsy or seizure disorder. These are done through one-on-one consultation, local education events, the Annual Patient/Family Conference, and resource library. Initiated in 1996, the annual conference is held in a different region of the EAWCP’s service territory each year. This event is a one day opportunity for individuals and families to gather information and hear experts address a variety of issues related to epilepsy. Topics include epilepsy syndromes, legal rights, new treatments and psychological aspects of epilepsy, and the most up-to-date and useful information available on epilepsy. • The Scholarship Program – The EAWCP awards up to 10 scholarships to outstanding high school seniors, all of whom are living with epilepsy, to further their education. • Emma’s Gift Grant - If your loved one has nocturnal seizures they maybe eligible to receive a movement detection monitor grant. We will help you select the monitor that is best for you/your loved one. A movement detection monitor will alert a contact person if repetitive motion is detected from their person with epilepsy.