Spring 2012 MSConnection Louisiana

The 2012 Louisiana Public Policy Confer-ence took place on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, and was a huge success. This day will be remembered by participants for a long time to come. The day was long but the energy was high as MS Activists from many areas of Louisiana gathered at the State Capitol to advocate for priorities important to people with MS and all disabilities. Our day kicked off with an amazing MS Activism Training Workshop led by Joe Gagen, a nationally recognized advocacy expert. By participat-ing in this training, MS Activists gained

the knowledge needed to take action at the Capitol with legislative visits. In this fun, interactive workshop Joe Gagen explained how to communicate more effectively with public policy makers, gave valuable informa-tion on the process and the environment in which public policy is made, and shared his insight on the key elements needed in effec-

tive legislative advocacy commu-nications.

After the training, a delicious hot lunch was served and then MS Activists gathered at the steps of the Capitol for a group picture before heading into the Rotunda for their legislative visits. As ev-eryone saw that day, legislators wanted and needed to hear from their constituents! As a person

with MS, a caregiver, or a leader in the MS movement, your personal stories are powerful tools and they can shape public policy to make a real difference in the lives of persons living with

Spring 2012 Louisiana

M O V I N G TO WA R D A W O R L D F R E E O F M S

Public Policy Day

- continued on page three

The MS CONNECTION is a publicationof the National Multiple SclerosisSociety, Louisiana, and is publishedthree times a year.

4613 Fairfield StreetMetairie, La. 70006phone: 1-800-344-4867, Option 1or 504-832-4013, Option 1www.mslouisiana.org

Nationwide MS Hotline:1-800-344-4867, Option 1NMSS website:http://www.nationalMSsociety.org

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society does not endorse products, services or manufacturers. Such names appear solely because they are considered valuable information. The National MS Society assumes no liability for the use of contents of any product or service mentioned. Information provided by the 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 National MS Society recommends that all questions and information be discussed with a personal physician. The National MS Society is dedicated to ending the devastating effects of MS.

2 | JOIN THE MOVEMENT: nationalMSsociety.org

ATTENTIONPlease let us know if you would like to receive this newsletter by e-mail. We

would appreciate this very much as you help us to go green! Thank you! Call 1-800-344-4867, Option 2, Ext 3787.

Louisiana

Regional Executive Vice PresidentMark Neagli

Vice President of Development, LouisianaRebecca Pennington, Ph.D, CFRE

Director of Programs & ServicesCrystal Smith, BA, MSCIR, MSSMC

Coordinator, Programs & ServicesAnna Moss, BSW

Development ManagerJessica Aubin, BS

Office ManagerSusan McCarthy

MS. Developing a relationship with your elected officials and having good commu-nication with them is the key to legislative success. For those who participated this year, please remember to send follow up thank you notes to your representatives and senators.

Prior to 2012, Louisianans – including those with comprehensive coverage – were subject to health insurance policies that allowed health plans to make changes to prescription drug cov-erage at any time during the con-tract year. This included increases in co-pays, moving a brand name medication from a lower tier to a higher cost sharing tier and re-moving a prescription drug from a plan’s formulary.

Thanks to the hard work of MS Activists, we were successful in getting HB 345, now Act 350, Continuity of Prescription Drug Coverage passed in the 2011 Legislative Session. This current legis-lation is implemented as of January 1, 2012. Louisianans who depend on prescription medications can now rely on their health insurance and the insurer’s drug formulary, for the life of the insurance contract. Just as important to continuity of coverage, Act 350 requires written notification of impor-tant changes 60 days prior to reenrollment. Providing this consistency and ability to plan for out of pocket health care costs are important safeguards to maintaining access to vital and often life-saving medicines.

During the 2012 Legislative Session, MS Activists are currently engaged in imple-

mentation of Act 350 and Regulation 100 at the Department of Insurance. The Louisi-ana Register published Regulation 100 on April 20th. MS Activists continue to work with legislators to ensure that people with MS and other chronic diseases have access to affordable and accessible prescription drugs.

TOLL FREE NUMBER 1 800 344 4867 | 3

Louisiana activism

Public Policy Day - continued from page one

SELF-HELP GROUPSALEXANDRIAHealthSouth, Conference Room on first floor104 N. Third StreetSecond Tuesday, 6 p.m.For more information:Tarra Babin andShada Brown, Co-Leaders318-374-0058

AMITE/HAMMONDFirst Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.Tangipahoa Police Sub-station15475 Club Delux Rd., Meeting RoomHammondBill and Judy Perkins, Leaders985-878-6313Stephanie Carter,Co-Leader985-542-2705

BATON ROUGEThird Tuesday, 12 NoonFamily Road ofGreater Baton Rouge323 E. Airport(directions: 225-201 -8888)Joyce Smith andDonna Hildebrandt,Co-Leaders

HOUMAFirst Thursday,7 to 8:30 p.m.Terrebonne GeneralMedical CenterOutreach Center,Southland Mall5953 Park Ave, Suite 3003Fran LeBlanc, LeaderPenny Gilton, Co-Leader

LAFAYETTEFirst Tuesday,5:30 p.m.Lafayette Physical Rehabilitation Hospital307 Polly LaneDawn Abbott, LeaderAngela Trahan, Co-Leader

TRI-PARISHES SELF-HELP GROUP * (see note)ON HOLDSt. John the BaptistParish Library2920 Hwy. 51LaPlace, La. 70068985-652-6857(for directions to library)Joan Ory, [email protected]

MANDEVILLESecond Tuesday,7 p.m.St. Timothy Methodist ChurchEducational BIdg.335 Asbury DriveSusan Scott andPeggy Cartier, Co-Leaders

METAIRIE * (see note)New - Third Thursday, 7 p.m.Starting March 2012No February Meeting504-322-3781Janice Naquin, Leader1000 W. Esplanade Ave.Metairie, La. 70005(Library # for directions.)504-838-4375

MONROELast Thursday, 12 NoonGlenwood Med. Mall, Community Room102 Thomas Road West MonroeLynn Armet, Leader

NEW ORLEANSWest Bank JestersFirst Friday of each monthat 10:30 a.m.Gretna Community Center1700 Monroe St.Gretna, La. 70053Diane Orlesh, Leader,504-394-5623Kim Maloz, Co-Leader,504-394-2274First time visitors shouldcall Diane or Kimto confirm location.

MID-CITY NEW ORLEANSNewly Diagnosed GroupOchsner – Baptist Campus4429 Clara St.New Orleans, La. 70115Conference Room – Krew Room 310Second Monday6 to 7:30 p.m. starting September 12thMimi Jalenak, Leader504-861-0859For directions callOchsner Dept. of Neurology 504-842-3980(M– F, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.)


SuPPORT GROuPS

SHREVEPORT * (see note)ON HOLDWillis-Knighton HospitalSteen Hall Eye Institute2611 Greenwood Rd.(corner of Greenwood and Hearne Ave.)Linda Galloway, Leader

VINTONKnights of Columbus1424 Grace AvenueVinton, La. 70668Second Saturday10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.Elaine Briggs, Leader337-309-5124

* PLEASE NOTE Shreveport SHG and theTri-Parishes SHG meetings are on hold until further notice. We are actively seeking new leaders and co-leaders to assist with these groups.

Metairie SHG seeking Co-Leader

SuPPORT GROuPS


Self-Help Groups Offer BothIn-Person and Phone Supportby Susan La Combe

Self-Help Groups offer opportunities to make new friends and share with others how you experience life with MS. Meetings provide settings to share common concerns, give and receive emotional support and receive MS-related information from peers and guest speakers. Self-Help Groups are facilitated by trained volunteers with personal experiences with MS.

To find a group that meets in-person near you, call the National MS Society at 1-800-344-4867.

The Society also offers several Self-Help Groups that meet by phone, giving you the opportunity to join in from the comfort of your own home:

Susan LaCombe is Programs and Services Manager in the Society’s Dallas office. She can be reached at [email protected].

Phone Group Name Meeting Day/Time Call-In NumberHome is Your Range First Wednesday of each

month1 p.m. CST

1-888-346-3659 (enter code 1073 when prompted)

MS and CancerGroup contact,Margaret [email protected]

Fourth Wednesday of each month3 p.m. CST

1-888-346-3659 (enter code 1073 when prompted)

Cafe con Leche: Conversations and Support for People Living with MS Monthly telephone group in Spanish

Stay at Home Support for those living with MS for five years or more

Tuesdays1 to 2:30 p.m. CST

Third Wednesday of each month11 a.m. CST

1-888-346-3659(enter code 64552 when prompted)

1-888-346-3659(enter code 64552 when prompted)

ALExANDRIA – MS AquATICSYMCA-Alexandria, 1831 Turner St.Call Emmy Partain, program coordinator, for details at 318-445-8261. BATON ROuGE – MS CHAIR AEROBICSBaton Rouge Self Help Group Meetings on occasions with Donna Hildebrandt. COVINGTON – MS YOGAStar Fitness Center in Covington. MS participants can participate without being members of center at a cost of $5 per class. LAFAYETTE – MS CHAIR YOGAOur Lady of Lourdes Fitness Center every Monday and Wednesday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. $1 per class.

LAKE CHARLES – MS AquATICSOur Lady Queen of Heaven Family Life Community Center, 3939 Msgr. deBlanc Place. Contact Denise Ackley, program facilitator, for details at 337-474-6814. METAIRIE – MS AquATICSEast Jefferson Wellness Center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Contact Amy Berthelot, program facilitator, for details at 504-849-6815. SHREVEPORT – MS AquATICSWillis-Knighton Wellness Center, Greenwood location. Classes meet Wednesdays 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., $5 per month Call Holly Biernet, program facilitator, for details at 318-212-4475.

Wellness Program reminders!


LOuISIANA PROGRAMS

The National MS Society is laying out the checkered blankets and turning on the grills! Join us for this year’s MS Getaway: Life’s a Picnic at the beautiful, serene wooded setting of the Wesley Center Retreat in Woodworth, LA (10 miles south of Alexandria) on June 1-3, 2012!

You and one guest are invited to participate in a weekend of support, relaxation, education and social activities. Space is limited and reservations are taken on a first-come basis. The cost is $40/person; this covers a two-night stay, activities and meals.

Upon receipt of your registration and payment, a confirmation will be sent to you with complete details.

Questions? Please contact Anna Moss at 504-322-3781.

DEVELOPMENT


Walk MS 2012 EventsThe Louisiana Multiple Sclerosis

Society held its annual Walks in Shreveport, New Orleans and Baton Rouge throughout the month of March. The Walks are held each year to drive awareness and support for the work the National MS Society does throughout the year.

This year, collectively, the Walks saw an increase in attendance and raised more than $224,785. We could not have done it without the volunteers who gave of their time and work, to the sponsors – especially BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana and People’s Health – and to all of the walkers who come out with their families and friends in honor of those with MS. It is with all of you, working together, that we will have a day without MS. Please keep an eye out for the dates for the 2013 Walks in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport. We’ll see you there!


DeveLopment

Bike MS 2012…Don’t Just Ride, Bike MS!There are many

ways to get involved with Bike MS…find the right fit for you and Join the Movement! Although the event isn’t until October 6-7 it will definitely be here before we know it. So make plans to be a part of the largest fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Louisiana. Last year Bike MS raised nearly $800,000 for those affected by multiple sclerosis in Louisiana.

Whether you like to ride or volunteer we would love to see you on event weekend.

However if you are unable to do either you can still make a difference. Just spread the word. We work hard to spread the word about Bike MS but we know there are people that we don’t reach. So the next time you are out, talking on the phone, or are just with family and friends talk to them

about Bike MS. You never know who may want to get involved.

If you are living with MS and would like to be a part of the event please join us on Sunday October 7, 2012 at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La. at our BUBBLE BISTRO. This is a tent for clients to relax and stay

cool under while they cheer on participants making it to the finish line after 150 miles of cycling. This is an opportunity for those living with MS to thank those participants for their hard work and dedication to the MS Society. It is also a chance for cyclists to meet someone living with multiple sclerosis and see the difference their hard work is truly making in someone’s life.

October is just around the corner and we are looking forward to Bike MS 2012…Join the Movement and help us create a world free of MS!

For more information about this event or ways that you can participate please visit our website at www.bikemslouisiana.org or call our office at (504) 322-3790 or 1-800-344-4867.

Documents

Spring 2012 MSConnection Louisiana