MS Society commends federal government’s research investment in neurological diseases
Yves Savoie and MS Society volunteers Janet MacNeil, Jeanette Elliott, and Michael Augustine joined the Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, far right, for the announcement.
June 5/09, Toronto - The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada praised the government’s announcement of $15 million to study the impact of a wide variety of neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis.
“The MS Society applauds the federal government’s $15 million commitment to pursue a greater understanding of neurological diseases and injuries,” said Yves Savoie, president and CEO of the MS Society of Canada. “In the field of MS, we anticipate the results of this work will help guide our efforts to fund the best research and deliver programs that positively impact quality of life.”
The four-year national population study will provide key information to improve current knowledge about the prevalence, risk factors, use of health services, economic cost, and impact of neurological conditions currently and projected over the next 20 years. A comprehensive report will be published in the final year of the study.
“This commitment would not be possible without the leadership and guidance of Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC), in which the MS Society plays an active role,” said Savoie.
NHCC is a collective of organizations that represent people with chronic, progressive brain diseases, disorders, and injuries in Canada that have been actively advocating for a national brain strategy.
“Many thanks to the leaders of the NHCC, including the MS Society’s Deanna Groetzinger, vice president, government relations and policy, for advancing the need for this study and for securing this very timely and important commitment from the government,” said Savoie.
About multiple sclerosis and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord. 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.
About Neurological Health Charities Canada
Neurological Health Charities Canada (NHCC) is a collective of organizations that represent people with chronic, often progressive, neurological and/or neuromuscular diseases, disorders, conditions and injuries in Canada. The NHCC’s role is to provide leadership, evaluating and advancing new opportunities for collaboration specific to advocacy, education and research projects, related to brain health.
NHCC members include: ALS Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society of Canada, Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation, Canadian Alliance of Brain Tumor Organizations, Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada, Epilepsy Ontario, Huntington Society of Canada, March of Dimes, Mood Disorder Society of Canada, MS Society of Canada, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, NeuroScience Canada, Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, Parkinson Society Canada, Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Association of Ontario, Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada.
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Contact Information:
Stewart Wong
National Senior Manager, Media and Public Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Telephone: 416-967-3025
Email:stewart.wong@mssociety.ca
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