As we begin our new fiscal year, we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU for your involvement, time and support in 2014-2015. The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia was able to grow and do great things last year, but this was made possible only through your help.

Below is a short summary of what we were able to accomplish as a team last year:

• 64 educational programs were presented in 136 counties, reaching 5,140 people.
• The CBD Oil Immunity law was passed and was signed into law by Governor Deal.
• 6,382 Information packets were provided to individuals.
• 489 school nurses from throughout the state received training on Managing Seizures in the Schools.
• 90 adult and youth campers were able to attend camp on camp scholarships.
• 133 patients received help through the EFGA’s Emergency Medication Fund, at a cost of $43,702.95.
• We hosted the 5th Annual Studio E art therapy program, providing participants with an outlet to express themselves and meet others facing the challenges epilepsy presents.
• Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injuries and their families were able to learn about epilepsy and how to cope successfully with it.
• November was filled with seminars, special events, social media activities and programs as a part of National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
• A new transportation partnership was developed with Uber to fund a program that will assist patients who are unable to drive.
• The WebEase Self Help program was expanded, allowing patients to take an active role in their epilepsy treatment program.
• New support groups began meeting in Columbus and Dalton, and a University of Georgia student support group will be getting underway this fall.

These programs could not have happened without the following:

• Volunteers: EFGA only has a four person staff…. We could never have accomplished this alone. Thanks to the efforts of our Board of Directors, Professional Advisory Board and event steering committees we had great guidance and direction from our leadership. Our event volunteers insured that the Taste of Love and the Magnolia Run ran smoothly and were great successes. Our program volunteers enabled us to provide greater outreach throughout Georgia on what can be done to manage epilepsy successfully.

• Partners: Working together with organizations that serve people with epilepsy, we were able to serve a much broader slice of the population. These partners included pharmaceutical companies, Children’s Healthcare of Georgia, Uber, the Youth Service Fund, and professional organizations such as the Georgia Association of School Nurses, Georgia Head Start Association, Georgia Neurological Society and especially the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• Supporters: The Georgia affiliate is totally dependent on public support for its’ funding, as we receive no financial support from the state or federal governments. Without contributions from individuals, event participants, corporate sponsorships and charitable foundations we would be unable to service the needs of the more than 150,000 Georgians with epilepsy/seizure disorders.

• Our patients, clients and their families/caregivers: Very simply… you are the reason we exist. Through your feedback, suggestions, participation on our board and committees you provide the focus for our mission. Your first -hand experience and knowledge of epilepsy makes you powerful advocates and inspirational speakers at our activities. By your involvement you put a public face on a medical issue that for many years was hidden from view.

As we enter the 2015-2016 fiscal year, we hope we can count on your continued involvement and support, so that together we can improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy and seizure disorders.