Upstate, WNY join forces to fight multiple sclerosis

As of Oct. 1, the Upstate New York and Western New York chapters of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society became one entity.

The expanded organization now features increased local delivery of services and award-winning programs. The chapter will follow a new trend for non-profit agencies, featuring less overhead, fewer administrative costs, locally administered services and a clear effort to maximize and reduce health-care costs.

The joining of the two chapters allows for greater resources to focus on an area of the country that needs it most - the Upstate New York region has five times the national average of diagnosed MS cases for its population.

Services offered by the chapter include: information and referral, self-help groups, care management, family and individual counseling, occupational, physical and recreational therapy as well as education and services for those diagnosed with MS.

"Integrating the two chapters drives greater efficiency, improved client services and programs, and is now strategically positioned for growth through a more effective fund-raising organization," said Randal A. Simonetti, Upstate New York chapter president.

The newly combined chapter, headquartered in Rochester, now serves more than 12,000 clients and their families affected by MS across 50 counties in Upstate New York.

"By combining Western New York with the Upstate New York chapter, we will be able to increase our focus on serving people living with MS and their families, " Simonetti said.

For more information visit www.na tionalmssociety.org or call 1.800.FIGHT.MS.