How MSAA Can Help

Information and Education

MSAA’s website provides a wealth of information at mymsaa.org. This includes important news and timely updates, online videos, event listings, and more.

Multiple Sclerosis Information (MSi) is MSAA’s growing library of award-winning, on-demand video programming and archived webinars. These feature healthcare professionals who provide valuable insights and updated information on the latest advances in MS research, disease and symptom management, wellness strategies, and more. Please visit mymsaa.org/videos for more information.

All of MSAA’s award-winning publications are designed to be easy to read, informative, and inspiring. These include MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator, published twice yearly, and the widely acclaimed MS Research Update, published annually. Additional publications include Understanding Progression in MS, MS Relapse Toolkit, How to S.E.A.R.C.H.™ for the Right MS Therapy for You!, Aquatic Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis, and more. MSAA also offers two children’s books on MS. Please visit mymsaa.org/publications or call (800) 532-7667 for more information.

MSAA’s educational programs provide an excellent opportunity to connect clients with many of the country’s leading MS healthcare professionals. These events provide information in an easy-to-understand conversational format that strongly encourages open dialogue between clients and presenters. Please visit MSAA’s website (at mymsaa.org) and select “Educational Programs” from the “How MSAA Can Help” section to learn more.

Toll-Free Helpline and Other Support

MSAA’s Helpline allows individuals with MS, family members, care partners, and friends, to speak directly with one of MSAA’s Client Services Specialists by calling (800) 532-7667, extension 154. MSAA’s Helpline hours are from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday; hours on Wednesday are extended from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Individuals may also email questions to MSquestions@mymsaa.org or have a live Chat at mymsaa.org/chat while visiting MSAA’s website.

MSAA’s Client Services Specialists offer encouragement to clients and their care partners to identify obstacles and discover ways to overcome them. Through MSAA’s Helpline, these Specialists may also recommend program(s) offered by MSAA as well as other resources that would be of help to the caller, and assist him or her with the application process. Members of the MS community are also encouraged to connect through MSAA’s blog, “MS Conversations.”

In addition, MSAA offers My MSAA Community, a free online community. For more information, please visit MSAA’s website and select the first entry below “Living with MS.” My MSAA Community is a peer-to-peer online forum (hosted by HealthUnlocked.com) for individuals with MS, their families, and their care partners to share information and their experiences with multiple sclerosis. Members of this friendly, supportive, and safe online community may connect with other people affected by MS, contribute to ongoing conversations, and start their own conversation with a question or a post about their journey.

Shared-Management Tools to Manage MS

Shared Management” is a philosophy supported by MSAA, where both the patient and healthcare providers work together to achieve the best possible health outcomes for the patient. One example is MSAA’s S.E.A.R.C.H.™ Program, which provides tools to help individuals learn about approved long-term treatments for MS, along with questions to discuss with their medical team.

Another example is My MS Manager™ – MSAA’s mobile phone application. This app is provided free of charge to individuals with MS or their care partner to use on their iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Android mobile phone device. Developed in conjunction with @Point of Care, My MS Manager™ allows individuals to track disease activity, store medical information, and generate charts and reports on important details, such as symptoms and treatments.

Other HIPAA-compliant features with this app include optional private reminder settings, links to further educational materials from MSAA, and – exclusive to My MS Manager™ – the ability to connect to physicians and other clinicians on the healthcare team via the app to share progress and reports securely and as needed.

Cooling and Assistive Equipment

MSAA provides equipment through both of the following programs at no charge and ships directly to clients. Please note that certain financial restrictions may apply.

MSAA’s Cooling Program offers cooling vests and accessories for adults with multiple sclerosis as well as children diagnosed with pediatric MS. This technology helps many people with multiple sclerosis who are heat-sensitive, and who would otherwise experience increased symptoms when in warm temperatures. Please visit mymsaa.org/cooling for more information.

MSAA’s Equipment Distribution Program offers products designed to improve safety, dignity, mobility, and independence. MSAA provides items such as shower chairs, grab bars, hand rails, and mobility devices. Please visit mymsaa.org/equipment for more information.

MRI Access Fund

MSAA’s MRI Access Fund assists with the payment of cranial (brain) and c-spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for qualified individuals who have no medical insurance or cannot afford their insurance costs. This fund is for individuals who require the exam to help determine a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or evaluate current MS disease progression. Please visit mymsaa.org/mri for more information.

Supporting MSAA

MSAA’s programs and services are provided free of charge to members of the MS community (financial eligibility requirements apply for some programs). These programs are made possible through the support of our generous donors.

To support MSAA’s vital programs and services, please visit MSAA’s website at mymsaa.org. While there, visitors to our site may learn about several ways to make a donation – including donations made in honor or in memory of someone special. Website visitors may also find several options for participating in MSAA’s fundraising initiatives, such as endurance events, golf tournaments, and Swim for MS. Individuals may also learn how to create their own event; examples include bake sales, bowling competitions, golf events, and more.


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