February 2, 2021 | By Sara Franklin |
Alabama introduced legislation, H.B. 76 and S.B. 42, which would improve the care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders in schools. The legislation has passed! To learn more about how this legislation will impact students in our state with epilepsy, email alabama@efa.org.
December 1, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
Epilepsy Foundation Alabama is celebrating its 50th anniversary in January 2021. On Tues., Jan. 26, Epilepsy Foundation Alabama will livestream a virtual birthday party beginning at 6 p.m. The date was chosen to represent the 1 in 26 people that will develop epilepsy at some point in their lives. The livestreamed event will focus on cherishing the nonprofit’s history in the state, celebrating the milestone anniversary, and highlighting current work the chapter is doing to walk alongside those in Alabama going through their epilepsy journeys.
Donations for the 50th anniversary are still being accepted. Click the button below for more details.
“We are excited to kick off the 50th anniversary celebration of Epilepsy Foundation Alabama,” said Sara Franklin, Executive Director, Epilepsy Foundation Alabama. “Since the nonprofit’s founding in 1971, many people have benefited from the services offered by the Epilepsy Foundation. As we enter 2021 and beyond, we are committed to fighting epilepsy together.”
There is no mandatory fee to register, but households are encouraged to donate $126 or more if they are able.
People that have either been touched by Epilepsy Foundation Alabama or know about the history of the organization are encouraged to email their memories and photos to alabama@efa.org.
“So many wonderful people from across our state have been involved with the Epilepsy Foundation over the past five decades,” said Garland Stansell, APR, Advisory Board Chair, Epilepsy Foundation Alabama . “The virtual birthday party will be a wonderful way to reflect on the difference the Epilepsy Foundation has made in people’s lives, and creates an opportunity to bring attention to the prevalence of the epilepsies.”
Funds raised during the 50th anniversary virtual event will go toward supporting Epilepsy Foundation Alabama efforts which include:
Sponsorship opportunities for the virtual birthday party are available. To get more information on the various levels and benefits, contact Sara Franklin at sfranklin@efa.org or call 205-453-8291.
The organization is a statewide 501c3 nonprofit that has led the fight against seizures in the state since 1971. Epilepsy Foundation Alabama seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy and seizures by leading the fight to overcome challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy, the most common serious brain disorder worldwide, is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce seizures which are sudden abnormal bursts of electrical energy that disrupt brain functions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 54,000 people in Alabama are living with epilepsy and seizures, including more than 7,500 children. Over a lifetime, one in 10 people will have a seizure, and one in 26 will be diagnosed with epilepsy. For more information about epilepsy, visit www.epilepsy.com.
About Epilepsy Foundation Alabama
Founded in 1971, Epilepsy Foundation Alabama is a chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, a network of nearly 50 partners throughout the United States. The Foundation is leading the fight to END EPILEPSY® in Alabama by connecting people to treatment, support and resources; leading advocacy efforts; funding innovative research and the training of specialists; and educating the public about epilepsy and seizure first aid. Epilepsy Foundation Alabama seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals with epilepsy and seizures. The organization is guided by a local advisory board. For more information about Epilepsy Foundation Alabama, visit www.epilepsyalabama.org.
July 24, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
There are 3.4 million people in the United States living with epilepsy; 1.6 million of whom live with active seizures. More than 54,000 of those live in Alabama.
Epilepsy is clearly in our community. But there is more beyond these numbers that people do not realize — inequities and health disparities exist among people with epilepsy, particularly in communities of color.
Read Full Article
July 12, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
The Epilepsy Foundation offers training for all school personnel and school nurses to understand the basics of seizures, epilepsy, and first aid. The Seizure Training for School Personnel is designed for people who work with children and youth in school settings. Trainings are free, live, and instructor-led.
Learn More
June 5, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
Join Epilepsy Foundation Alabama on Zoom on Tues., June 9 at 1:30 p.m. to hear from Birmingham City Councilman Darrell O’Quinn & Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham President & CEO Chris Nanni as they share details about “Birmingham On-Demand powered by Via.” The City of Birmingham launched a new transportation pilot program with Via in late 2019. Birmingham On-Demand powered by Via, a leader in on-demand public mobility, creates an additional layer of services for residents in the city by booking a shared ride for a flat rate fee of $1.50.
June 4, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
Did you miss our webinar presentation on Health for Women and Girls with Epilepsy on Sat., July 11 at 10:00 a.m.?
The presentation included an intro from Thometta Cozart, Director of Multicultural Affairs for the Epilepsy Foundation of America. She shared information about the foundation’s efforts surrounding epilepsy equity and outreach to minority communities. #EpilepsyEquity
Then, we heard overall tips for women caregivers of those with severe epilepsy, and recent data related to UAB Medicine Dr. DeWolfe’s study on “Women with Epilepsy: Advancements in Care during Pregnancy.”
About Dr. Jennifer DeWolfe
Dr. Jennifer DeWolfe is an associate professor of neurology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been caring for epilepsy and sleep patients for nearly 15 years. She founded and directs the UAB Women with Epilepsy Clinic and the Sleep Center at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. She also serves as director of the UAB Hospital Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. She specializes in epilepsy and sleep medicine with research interests in women’s health in epilepsy, the effects of sleep disorders on epilepsy, and treatments for intractable epilepsy and status epilepticus. She has served as an invited speaker on epilepsy and sleep-related topics for numerous regional, national and international organizations.
About Thometta Cozart
Thometta Cozart, MS, MPH has over 10 years of public health experience and 15 years of experience in public relations and health communications. The Washington State and North Carolina native has a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications from Bethune-Cookman University, a master’s degree in Public Relations from Florida A&M University, and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of South Florida. She is certified in public health and health education. Thometta is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Health Promotion and Education from The University of Alabama. Her dissertation research focuses on epilepsy health disparities among minority populations. She has taught college courses in public health, health education program planning, journalism, and public relations. She currently serves as the Director of Multicultural Outreach and Communications for the Epilepsy Foundation in Landover, MD.
May 16, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
While most people who may develop COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) will have only mild to moderate symptoms, some people may need to see a health care provider or be hospitalized. The focus by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and all of us, is on slowing down the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring people can receive the care they need. The word “community mitigation” is used to describe the process of slowing down the spread of the virus. Each community is or will be offering guidance for their area, and the CDC has updated recommendations about what people and community leaders should know and do.
Below is a fact sheet with the latest answers to questions you have been asking us about COVID-19 and epilepsy. We will continue to update this page as new data reveals more information.
Download A Fact Sheet Answering Frequently Asked QuestionsClick below for more information on COVID-19 and epilepsy.
Read More About COVID-19 & Epilepsy
May 6, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
Disparities in epilepsy treatment have previously been reported. In the current study, UAB researchers examined the role of socioeconomic status, health insurance, place of residence, and sociodemographic characteristics in a past-year visit to a neurology or epilepsy provider and current use of anti-seizure medications. [ Abstract from the report ]
Key Findings In The Report:
View the news story from UAB’s website — [ Article Link ].
April 16, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
Learn about how to prepare for a telemedicine visit with the UAB Epilepsy Center. Thank you Dr. Leslie Grayson for giving us this information.
April 10, 2020 | By Sara Franklin |
Learn about how to prepare for a telemedicine visit with the UAB Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s Hospital. Thank you Dr. Katy Lalor for giving us this information.
