Foundation assists residents with epilepsy

Name of program: Epilepsy Foundation Northwest

What it does: The program provides case management for those with epilepsy and seizure disorders by referring clients to counselors, specialists and lawyers or advocates.

Sharon Johnston, an epilepsy service specialist with the program, said the program works toward educating the public about epilepsy.

“Overall, people are becoming more aware,” she said.

One of those programs is a first-aid course that deals with recognizing the signs of a seizure.

Contrary to a popular myth, helpers should never put anything into the sufferer’s mouth.

Who runs it: The nonprofit program is a part of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.

How to get help: Anyone who has been diagnosed with the neurological disorder may call the office at 325-1128, and those interested also may visit the foundation’s Web site at www.epilepsynw.org.

The program hosts educational programs monthly and also informs schools and employers about the disorder.

Typical client: “Epilepsy can strike anyone from birth through their 90s,” said Johnston.

She said 70 percent of epilepsy cases have no known cause, and 30 percent are from head injuries or strokes.

The disorder can affect people in every ethnic group, gender and economic class.

“Most people think it’s pretty rare,” said Johnston, but 1 percent of the population suffers from epilepsy or other seizure disorders.

In fact, 4,000 people in Spokane County have it.

How to help: The foundation is always in need of volunteers to help with mailings, educational meetings and events such as employment workshops that help those with epilepsy get jobs.

The foundation also raises money for scholarships for Camp Discovery, a camp for kids with epilepsy that has a staff of one counselor for every two children, or an emergency medication fund for those who have run out of medication and don’t have money for more.