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Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada Receives $50,000 Medtronic Health Access Grant
Grant Recognizes Local Organizations Committed to Expanding Access to Healthcare for the Underserved
BRAMPTON, ON--(Marketwired - April 22, 2014) - The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and Medtronic of Canada today announced a two-year, $50,000 Health Access Grant from Medtronic Philanthropy to increase the distribution of the North American Education Program (NAEP), a nationwide education initiative that provides people with MS and their families access to information about managing the disease.
With 100,000 Canadians living with MS, people affected by the disease need the most current information about day-to-day management of MS and treatment and lifestyle options to help them lead a good quality of life. Over the last decade, the MS Society of Canada has partnered with the National MS Society (U.S.) to produce materials for the program, giving people with MS access to current information from leading MS specialists that they may otherwise not receive.
The Medtronic Philanthropy Health Access Grant to the MS Society to supports their goal of reaching out to more Canadians impacted by this complex and disabling disease.
"People living with MS can now have more access to comprehensive information that will help them increase their understanding of MS, and learn how they can ensure a good quality of life," says Sylvia Leonard, National Vice-President, Program and Services, MS Society of Canada. "On behalf of the MS Society, I thank Medtronic for their support to make the North American Educational Program widely available in both English and French across the country."
Medtronic of Canada's leadership team nominated the MS Society of Canada for its proven track record in addressing local, critical healthcare needs.
"At Medtronic, we are dedicated to our mission of alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life," says Neil D. Fraser, President of Medtronic of Canada. "To that end, we support community-based charitable organizations, such as the MS Society of Canada, that focus on health access initiatives. This grant will allow them to continue to expand their great work."
The MS Society of Canada's Health Access Grant is one of 36 grants awarded in communities around the world. Health Access Grants recognize community-based programs and organizations that demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to chronic disease care for the underserved.
About Medtronic Philanthropy
Medtronic Philanthropy focuses on expanding access to quality chronic disease care among underserved populations worldwide, in addition to supporting health initiatives in communities where Medtronic employees live and give.
About Medtronic of Canada Ltd.
Medtronic of Canada Ltd. is a trusted Canadian leader delivering innovative health system solutions and advanced medical technologies to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life in the areas of cardiovascular medicine, diabetes, spinal and neurosurgery, and ear, nose, throat surgery. Medtronic is proud to employ more than 700 Canadians. Headquartered in Brampton, Ontario, Medtronic has regional offices in Vancouver and Montreal, including a manufacturing facility, Medtronic CryoCath, located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. www.medtronic.ca
About multiple sclerosis and the MS Society of Canada
Canada has the highest rate of multiple sclerosis in the world. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system comprising the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. It is the most common neurological disease of young adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease. Please visit mssociety.ca or call 1-800-268-7582 to make a donation or for more information.
