Download - Activities Calendar June / July 2009

AT A GLANCE

Participants in our recent emotional wellness tele-series learned several techniques they can use to improve their emotional well being. The program was a series of three calls that were facilitated by the dynamic and talented Catherine Freemire, LCSW and Life Coach.

During the first call, Keys to Authentic Happiness, Catherine shared that a practice of reflecting on what is good and encouraging gratitude is a key to happiness. Kathy McGee of Sacramento said: “This program reinforced for me that I have MS but MS doesn’t have me. Based on the lessons from this program, I now keep a gratitude bag, which is a pretty gift bag in which I keep small slips of paper on which I have written things (or people) I am grateful for. I refer to it whenever I am feeling low in spirit and need a reminder.”

In our second program, Leading With Your Strengths, Catherine helped participants in assessing their personal strengths and reflecting on how to use them in daily life.

Finally, during Rituals for Inner Peace and Balance, Catherine addressed the importance of self-care. During the program, one technique she suggested is to pair daily activities with a ritual that is enjoyable such as paying bills with a cup of favorite tea or playing good music while house-cleaning.

Look for new tele-series from the chapter in the fall as well as regularly scheduled teleconfer-ences offered by the Society. Or participate in our upcoming phone support group beginning in July (see page 12 for more information).

If you’d like to receive Catherine’s free, quarterly newsletter, Life Lessons, Tips for Leading a Balanced and Meaningful Life, e-mail her at [email protected] and put SUBSCRIBE and full name in the subject line. Catherine offers sessions by telephone or in person. If you would like more information please visit www.balancedlifecoaching.net or contact her at 925-939-4554.

Activities Calendar JUNE–JULY 2009

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

National MS Society—Northern California Chapter

June 2nd Teen Teleconference Information 10

June 3rd Dealing With Pain & Spasticity 13

June 13th Couples Relationship Workshop 3

June 20th Making Laughter, Loving Life 4

June 20th Los Gatos Counseling Group 2

July 13th Phone Support Group Begins 12

Emotional Wellness Spotlight

Other Programs ...

Pharmaceutical Company Sponsored Programs 5

Yoga Class Schedule 6

Self-Help Group Schedule 8

8-week Los Gatos Counseling Group Beginning in June 2009!

In-Person Counseling Group

Join this supportive forum for people with MS that will focus on various topics such as self identity, working with change, re-defining a sense of self after MS and envisioning new goals and dreams.

This group will be facilitated by Alison Turner, a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern. If you are interested in participating in this group or would like more information please contact Lisa Matejczuk, MSW, Emotional Support Manager at [email protected] or call 1-800-344-4867, option 2.

Space is limited so please register by June 10th.

Los GatosJune 20th–August 8th 20091:30pm to 3:00pm

$40 for 8-week series

Activities Calendar

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Chapter Headquarters 415-230-6677 1700 Owens St. Suite 190 San Francisco, CA 94158 Sacramento Office 916-927-8000 4225 Northgate Blvd., Suite 4 Sacramento, CA 95834 Silicon Valley Office408-988-7557 2589 Scott Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 950501-800-344-4867 www.MSconnection.org

If you or someone you know has MS:Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with mulitple sclerosis. Talk to your health professional or contact the National MS Society at 1.800.344.4867 or www.nationalmssociety.org to learn about ways to help manage multiple sclerosis and about current research that may one day reveal a cure.

Information provided by the National MS Society is based upon professional advice, published experience and expert opinion. Information provided in response to questions does not constitute therapeutic recommendations or prescriptions. The Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician.

The National MS Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear here solely because they are considered valuable information. The Society assumes no liability for the use or contents of any product or service mentioned.

© 2009 National MS Society, Northern California Chapter

National MS Society—Northern California Chapter

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867. JUNE–JULY 2009

VOLUNTEER

Looking to make a difference? Change a corner of the world? We have a job for you. VOLUNTEER today and join the movement.

Bike MS: Waves to Wine especially needs volunteers—groups welcome. Call Shannon at 415-230-6678 ext. 2020 to discuss many opportunities.

BIKE. DONATE. VOLUNTEER TO CREATE A WORLD FREE OF MS.

Dealing with Pain & Spasticity Pain and spasticity are common symptoms for a person with MS. Based on a formal study funded by the National MS Society as many as 80% of people with Primary Progressive MS have identified spasticity as affecting their daily living and 64% are adversely affected by pain. Find out the causes, standard practices and latest advances dealing with these symptoms and how to maximize your control. In this program, Dr. Maia Chakerian and Dr. Allen Kaisler-Meza will discuss many treatments for dealing with pain and spasticity.

Los GatosWednesday, June 3rd

6:00pm to 8:30pmGood Samaritan HospitalCafeteria at the Mission Oaks Campus15891 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd.Light refreshments will be provided.

For more information or to register for this program, please call 1-800-344-4867.

Maia Chakerian, MD, is an anesthesiologist and an interventional pain manager. Allen Kaisler-Meza, MD, specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He is the Medical Director for Good Samaritan Hospital’s Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility. Both doctors currently have practices in Los Gatos, CA.

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Couples Relationship Workshop Enhancing Communication & Mutual Empathy

Join us for a new day-long retreat for couples who want to address changes in their relationship that stem from having a partner with MS. This small group retreat will provide a safe and supportive forum to interact with other couples and have some reflective time to enjoy the beautiful Iron Horse walking trail.

LafayetteSaturday, June 13th

9:30am to 3:30pmLafayette Founders Grove584 Glenside Dr.

Randall Lippins, MFT, will discuss how couples can integrate mutual empathy to enhance closeness and understanding. This program will also include an interactive session on improving communication skills for couples, facilitated by a member of the non-profit organization, Bay Area Non Violent Communication.

For more information or to register for this program please contact Lisa Matejczuk, MSW, Emotional Support Manager at [email protected] or call 1-800-344-4867, option 2.

Making Laughter, Loving Life

1-800-344-4867 www.MSconnection.org

Join the Global Movement to end MS! Be part of the first worldwide MS awareness day.

Visit www.msconnection.org for more information and register at

www.worldmsday.org.

An Afternoon with the Queen of Jest

This summer, give yourself a gift you can share with others for free: laughter. Going through life with MS is no laughing matter; however learn at this seminar how you can make active changes that bring joy into your life and help you share that joy with your loved ones. Patty Wooten, nurse, nurse humorist, nurse retention specialist and compassionate clown, will not only talk about the healing benefit of humor, but will also show you how to create humor and bring more into your life. Breakfast will be provided.

Santa CruzSaturday, June 20th

9:00am to 11:30amCocoanut Grove–Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk400 Beach Street

For more information or to register for this program, please call 1-800-344-4867.

Patty Wooten, RN, BSN, PHN, a charter member of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and a long-time member of the International Society for Humor Studies, is often called the “Queen of Jest,” because she’s tickled the funny bones of millions. The world

understands more about the healing power of humor because of Patty’s lifelong work with leading humor researchers and practitioners. She has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work in the field of therapeutic humor. Patty’s mission for the past 30 years has been helping people jest for the health of it.

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Activities CalendarNational MS Society—Northern California Chapter

JUNE–JULY 2009

Beat the HeatAs summer approaches and temperatures rise, the Northern California Chapter will offer cooling solutions that can help you beat the heat. Many people with MS experience a temporary worsening of their symptoms when the weather is very hot or humid. Here are a few tips to beat the heat:

* Use cooling products like vests, neck wraps, or bandanas

* Drink cool water or enjoy icy treats such as popsicles or “slurpees”

* Use oscillating fans or hand-held spray bottles, especially when exercising

* Stay in an air-conditioned environment during periods of extreme heat and humidity (utility companies often offer a medical discount program for additional air-conditioner use with a document from your physician)

* Exercise in a cool pool (80-84 degrees)

If you have questions regarding cooling products or need assistance purchasing cooling products, please call 1-800-344-4867 or [email protected].

Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.


NOTE: Pharmaceutical Sponsored programs are not offered or endorsed by the National MS Society. This information is offered as a courtesy to our clients.

Taking Control: Managing MS Symptoms, Sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc

This educational session will provide you with helpful tips on how to “listen” to your body and take control of your MS.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA. Venue: Courtyard Marriott 4422 Y Street Sacramento, CA 95817 Speakers: Eric Hassid, M.D. and Ambassador Carlie Neal Registration: 6:15 PM

To register for this free dinner program, patients can call 1-877-329-8327 or go to www.mslifelines.com

Living well with MS: Your quality of life counts. Sponsored by Biogen Idec

Please come join us for a compelling discussion with one of the nation’s foremost MS experts, Dr. Ted Phillips, and a former pro tennis player on Tysabri, John Austin. We will discuss how MS patients can improve quality of life and the latest treatment options for MS. Ted Phillips is the Medical Director at the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Texas Neurology and Clinical Professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas.

Pharmaceutical Company Events

Saturday, June 27, 2009 Location: Modesto, CA. Venue: Clarion Inn 1612 Sisk Road Modesto, CA 95350 Speakers: Ted Phillips, M.D. and Tysabri patient, John Austin Registration: 11:00 am

To register for this free educational program (lunch will be served), patients can call 1-866-955-9999 or go to www.msactivesource.

Living Well—How to Live a Healthy

Lifestyle with MS, Sponsored by EMD Serono, Inc.

It takes some effort to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle. Are you interested in learning how you can “live well” with MS? Attend this interactive session and you will receive tips from an MS expert on ways you can improve your health on a day-to-day basis. An event you will not want to miss!

Wednesday, July 22, 2009 Location: Sacramento, CA. Venue: Courtyard Marriott 4422 Y Street Sacramento, CA 95817 Speakers: Eric Hassid, M.D. and Ambassador Heidi Swenson Registration: 6:15 PM

To register for this free dinner program, patients can call 1-877-329-8327 or go to www.mslifelines.com

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Yoga Classes in Your AreaYoga, a series of gentle stretching movements, can reduce stress and fatigue, improve balance and spasticity, and help bowel and bladder management. Practitioners of yoga also often say that it increases their energy and vitality.

Eric Small, a renowned yoga teacher with MS, has created an adaptive form of the exercise for others with the disease including those with limited mobility. All of our instructors have been schooled in Eric’s method, and all of our classes are adapted for people with MS, including those with limited mobility.

We encourage you to try a yoga class in your community. If you are currently taking a yoga class that is not on our list or you would like to see a new class started up in your community, please contact Sarah at [email protected] or 1-800-344-4867, option 2. For more information on the following “list” please call the instructor or studio or visit our website.

ALAMEDA COUNTYBerkeleyMartha, 510-643-2242Fridays 1:30pm to 3:30pmFremontAnandi, 510-910-0856Wednesdays 5:30pm and 7:15pmOaklandJoAnn, 510-261-8165

Thursdays 3:00pm to 4:30pmSaturdays 3:00pm to 4:30pm

Piedmont Yoga Studio, 510-214-5092Tuesdays 11:30am to 1:00pmUnion CityAnandi, 510-910-0856Thursdays 7:00pmSaturdays 8:15am and 10:00am

CONTRA COSTA COUNTYBrentwoodMary Anna, 925-513-6864 or 925-513-1924ConcordCindy, 925-330-4129Saturdays 10:30am to 12:00pmPleasantonMarcia, 925-642-5285Tuesdays 1:45pm to 3:15pm

JUNE–JULY 2009


California Statewide Housing Taskforce!Do you have an interest supporting the affordable, accessible housing needs of people with MS, as well as professional expertise in this arena? To best meet the needs of our clients with MS, we are embarking on a statewide committee to increase our knowledge and understanding, as well as expand our ideas and resources in this area.

We are seeking individuals who are not only passionate in this area but have backgrounds in the areas of building/construction, real estate and development, non-profit housing, accessible housing and home modification, and related industries. Meetings will be held via teleconference, beginning this summer.

If you are interested, we would love to hear from you as soon as possible. Please contact Jaclyn Smoczynski at 1-800-344-4867, option 2.


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Walnut CreekMarcia, 925-642-5285 Thursdays 1:45pm to 3:15pm

EL DORADO COUNTYCameron Park Glenda, 530-677-2231 Thursdays 3:30pm to 4:45pm

El Dorado HillsDonna, 916-712-9642Tuesdays 10:00am to 11:00am

HUMBOLDT COUNTYArcataMelissa, 707-822-7259Mondays 3:00pm to 4:30pmWednesdays 12:15pm

MARIN COUNTY San RafaelStacey, 415-492-9622 Fridays 12:15pm to 1:15pm

SACRAMENTO COUNTYFolsomDonna, 916-712-9642Thursdays 8:15am to 9:10amOr 9:30am to 10:30am

OrangevaleShakti, 916-987-9935 Fridays 10:00am to 11:00am

SacramentoDonna, 916-712-9642Tuesdays 10:00am to 11:00am

Lydia, 916-558-0254Wednesdays 5:30pm to 6:30pm

YMCA, 916-452-9622 Classes are held Monday–Friday

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTYSan FranciscoNew class will begin in June.Tuesdays 3:00pm to 4:00pm

NIHH, 415-600-4325Wednesdays 11:30am to 1:00pmFridays 12:00pm to 1:00pm;4:00pm to 5:30pm; 5:30pm to 6:30pm

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTYLodiNow and Zen, 209-369-7841Mondays 7:15am and 11:00amTuesdays 5:30am and 7:15pmWednesdays 8:30amThursdays 5:30am

SAN MATEO COUNTYFoster CityPJCC, 650-212-7522Tuesdays 11:30am to 1:00pmWednesdays 11:30am to 12:30pm and 7:30pm to 9:30pmThursdays 12:00pm to 1:15pm and 6:00pm to 7:15pmFridays 11:30am to 1:00pm

San CarlosJulia, 650-533-2832Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:45pm to 6:45pm

San MateoYoga at Change, 650-340-9642Tuesdays 7:30pm to 9:00pmThursdays 3:00pm to 4:15pm

SANTA CLARA COUNTYPalo AltoYMCA, 650-858-0661Mondays and Wednesdays11:00am to 12:15pm

Palo Alto YMCA, 650-842-7157Classes are held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

SaratogaThea, 408-489-9436Thursdays 10:30am to 12:00pm

SANTA CRUZ COUNTYSanta CruzAnnica, 831-424-9642Sundays 3:30pm

Santa Cruz Chi Center,831-465-9088Mondays 8:30am to 9:30amSundays 9:00am to 10:15am

SONOMA COUNTYYMCA ,707-542-9622Monday, Wednesday and Fridays 1:15pm to 2:15pm

STANISLAUS COUNTYRichard, 209-380-5955Tuesdays 10:30am



Yoga Classes (continued)

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Northern California Self-Help GroupsThe Northern California Chapter sponsors a network of self-help groups for people with MS andtheir loved ones. The groups are peer-facilitated and meet regularly for educational and socialpurposes, allowing members to express feelings and provide support to one another.

ALAMEDA COUNTYAlameda, Sharon510-521-6260 or Ray510-522-5210Berkeley, Toni 510-735-7890East Bay Lesbians, Jane510-444-5257Fremont, Kim 510-793-0765Oakland, Katrina 510-568-2301Oakland: African Americans,Tracey 510-670-8633Oakland: Latinos,Elsa 510-777-1414Oakland: Teens, Kimberly925-470-8495 or 925-470-8495

CONTRA COSTA COUNTYBrentwood MS for lunchbunch, Kathy 925-286-7674or Julie 925-513-4686Mt. Diablo (Concord), Johnand Janis at 925-372-0859El Cerrito, Robert510-526-8196Richmond, Vanda510-559-1898

EL DORADO COUNTYPlacerville, Lisa 415-230-6678 ext. 2004

HUMBOLDT COUNTYEureka, Ann Louise707-839-0177 or Kim707-445-9803

MARIN COUNTYCorte Madera, Verita415-927-7068 or Anita415-892-5548

MENDOCINOMendocino, Joanne707-937-4929

MERCED COUNTYMerced: MS Challengers,Susan 209-384-6533

JUNE–JULY 2009

ACCEPT THE CHALLENGEAN UNFORGETTABLE RIDE. AN UNBEATABLE DESTINATION. A WORLD FREE OF MS.

September 12 & 13 1 or 2 day options from 40 to 175 miles Register at: www.wavestowine.org 800-344-4867

An unforgettable two-day journey from San Francisco via Highway 1 into Healdsburg. Enjoy six full meals, generous amenities, stocked rest stops every 12 to 15 miles, SAG vehicles, spirited festivities, a wine & beer garden, massage tent, and more.


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MONTEREY COUNTYMonterey, Susan 831-659-1354 or MaryLee 831-373-2450

NAPA COUNTYNapa, Colin 707-944-2262 or Penelope 707-265-9680

NEVADA COUNTYGrass Valley, Dan 530-272-7636

PLACER COUNTYAuburn, Ruth 530-888-8388Roseville: MinimalSymptoms Group, Brett orKelly 916-773-6799 [email protected], Marcia or Jerry916-408-7899

SACRAMENTO COUNTYElk Grove, Willie 916-684-1677 or Dorothy 916-684-6849Sacramento: Moving on withMS, Sylvia 916-349-1324

SAN BENITO COUNTYHollister Group, Gina831-636-3241, Robin831-636-0930 or Helen831-637-6267

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTYSan Francisco 20’s–30’s Group,Stephanie 415-722-1682 San Francisco Forum,Hose 415-587-7491SF Potluck Luncheon,Karen 415-584-6115(Meets periodically)

SF Sunset District,Tatiana 415-665-1178

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTYStockton PM,Brenda 209-951-0536 orMary 209-334-5670Stockton AM,Betty 209-368-6026Tracy, Linda 209-833-6882

SAN MATEOFoster City, Eli 650-377-1970San Mateo, George650-593-5154SANTA CLARA COUNTYMilpitas, Indu 510-656-3408Palo Alto, Luanne650-328-0179 or George650-593-5154San Jose, Cor 408-270-8922 or David 408-578-3752San Jose, Janine 408-794-0777Santa Clara, Brian408-739-9445 or Susan408-253-4489SANTA CRUZ COUNTYCapitola, Tom 831-684-2252 or Ada 831-440-1211

SHASTA COUNTYHope 4 MS, Beth530-246-8404 or Patricia530-222-7277 or Robin530-246-2980

SOLANO COUNTYVacaville, Marian 707-422-7515 or Debrah 707-447-9603 (before 7:00 pm)

Vallejo, Marian 707-745-9333or Cheryl 707-751-3732

SONOMA COUNTYPetaluma, Sheila 707-765-6721Santa Rosa, Debbie707-569-9976Rohnert Park/Petaluma,Debbie 707-569-9976Healdsburg, Kate 707-433-9194Sonoma Women’s Group,Noreen 707-933-9500

STANISLAUS COUNTYModesto, Pati 209-524-8329Turlock, Bill 209-664-1427 or Frances 209-667-2184

SUTTER COUNTYYuba City, Evon 530-701-2189

TEHAMA COUNTYRed Bluff, Teresa 530-529-4412 or Jodine 530-528-8767

TUOLUMNE COUNTYSonora, Steven or Gloria,209-532-5646


NEW GROUP

NEW TELEPHONE SUPPORT GROUP FOR

CAREGIVERS

Call Nancy at 530-898-6637

Presenter: Sarah Helm,Disability-Careers Office CoordinatorThe University of Tennessee

Tuesday, June 2nd, 20097-8:00 pm ET, 6-7:00 pm CT, 5-6:00 pm MT, 4-5:00 pm PT

The call will feature a presentation on preparing teens with MS for the transition from high school to higher education. Time is scheduled at the end of the call for Q&A.

Topics to be covered during the call include: • Starting the Transition Process –The differences between K-12 and higher education laws –University/college admissions process • Making the Move to the Higher Education Environment –Self-advocacy –Registering with Disability Services • General Tips for College Bound Students –Knowing your resources (health center, counseling center, academic support center, etc.)

This teleconference is open to all family members, parents, children and teens with MS, and siblings are encouraged to participate. To register, please complete registration form on next page no later than June 1, 2009.

There is no charge for the teleconference.

Sarah Helm serves as the Disability-Careers Office (DCO) Coordinator at The University of

Tennessee, which is a liaison position between the University of Tennessee offices of Disability Services and Career Services. Her primary responsibility is to assist individual college students and alumni, with various disabilities, by providing specific disability related career planning services and guidance.

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JUNE–JULY 2009Pre-registration is required for all programs. Call 1-800-344-4867.

Teleconference Information Making the Transition from High School to Higher Education

Orientation for Newly Diagnosed

Every month, this informative program, conducted by trained National MS Society staff and a registered nurse specializing in MS, will address the most common concerns for people who are newly diagnosed. Persons diagnosed within the past two years and their family and friends are welcome.

Santa Clara Office First Tuesday of each month 6:30–8:30pm 2589 Scott Blvd.

San Francisco Office First Wednesday of each month 6:30–8:30pm 1700 Owens St., Suite 190

Sacramento Office First Thursday of each month 6:30–8:30pm 4225 Northgate Blvd., Suite 4

Pre-registration is required. For more information or to register please call

1-800-344-4867.

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Activities Calendar


Teleconference Information Making the Transition from High School to Higher Education

Presenter: Sarah HelmDisability-Careers Office Coordinator

The University of Tennessee

Tuesday, June 2nd, 20097-8:00 pm ET, 6-7:00 pm CT, 5-6:00 pm MT, 4-5:00 pm PT

To register, please fill in the information below.

Date: Name of chapter:

Name(s) of call participant(s):

Have you participated on a call before? Yes No

If this is your first teleconference, please fill in the information below:

Address:

Telephone: ( )

Email:

Name of child with MS: Month/Year of Birth:

I would like to ask the presenter:

Please return to:Kimberly Koch, MPANational MS Society, Broadway Station 900 S Broadway, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80209Telephone: 303-698-6100, ext. 15158 Fax: 303-698-6120 Email: [email protected]

Phone Therapy Group Beginning in July 2009! Chapter-Wide MS Phone Therapy Group for Individuals with MS


This 8-week phone counseling group will be a supportive forum to discuss the personal experience and challenges of living with MS. Topics of discussion may include, but are not limited to: the emotional impact of MS, not being defined by the diagnosis, the grieving process of lost dreams, and re-creating and attaining new dreams.

This phone support group will be led by Randall Lippins, a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist who has multiple sclerosis. This group is designed for individuals who are determined not to allow

the challenges of MS to keep them from reaching their goals and dreams.

If you are interested in participating in this group or would like more information please contact Lisa Matejczuk, Emotional Support Manager at [email protected] or 1-800-344-4867, option 2.

TeleconferenceMondays, July 13th to August 31st

6:00pm to 7:30pm

$40 fee for 8-week series

Share Your Healthcare StoryOur advocates are diligently working to ensure quality health care for people living with MS in California. With the current state budget crisis there are several planned cuts that could impact those in the MS community. In order for us to make a difference in Sacramento, we need real-life examples of people dealing with these issues to share with state legislators and the media. If you are impacted by any of the issues below, please share your story by contacting Julie Legrand at 1-800-344-4867, option 2 or [email protected].

Medi-Cal Optional BenefitsThe 2009-2010 budget signed by the govenor has eliminated 10 Medi-Cal “optional” benefits. We are working to help restore four of these which would especially impact people with MS: adult dental ser-vices, adult optometry, adult speech therapy, and incontinence creams and washes.

In-Home Supportive ServicesThe governor has released his proposed budget changes and is seeking several cuts in In-Home Support-ive Services (IHSS), including limiting these services to individuals with the highest levels of needs.

Durable Medical EquipmentOur chapter has sponsored AB 214 (Chesbro), which is legislation that would require health insurers to provide coverage of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) in group and individual plans and prevent plans from placing special coverage limitations on DME. The legislation has passed out of the Assembly and soon will be reviewed by the State Senate.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

Download - Activities Calendar June / July 2009

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