News Archives | Epilepsy Foundation Alabama

Let’s work together to find solution to health care disparity in Birmingham

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.

Learn about Birmingham On-Demand powered by Via

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.

Women Strong Webinar Recap

Did you miss our webinar presentation on Health for Women and Girls with Epilepsy on Sat., July 11 at 10:00 a.m.?

Watch the recording!

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.

COVID-19 & Epilepsy Fact Sheet

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.

Click below for more information on COVID-19 and epilepsy.

UAB Compiles Extensive Report in Epilepsy & Behavior Journal

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:

• Treatment varies by income, insurance, and region over and beyond other factors.
• Poverty is associated with a lower likelihood of anti-seizure medication use.
• Uninsured are less likely to visit a neurology provider.
• People residing in the Northeast are more likely to visit a neurologist.
• Epilepsy treatment does not vary by race/ethnicity or immigrant status.

View the news story from UAB’s website — [ Article Link ].

How To Prepare For A Telemedicine Visit

How to prepare for a telemedicine visit with UAB Pediatric Epilepsy Program at Children’s Hospital

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.