Every day, we provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson's disease live life to the fullest.
Information & Referral Center: APDA Northwest connects with the community in many ways, including our resource center where we are always available during business hours by phone and email. We provide callers with information, referrals, and resources, connect people with a support group or wellness class, and offer a listening ear. We provided newly diagnosed individuals – as well as hundreds more callers already familiar with APDA - with PD education resources, and referrals to support groups, exercise classes, doctors, and more. Our quarterly Parkinson’s Pathfinder magazine is produced locally and filled with useful articles, personal stories, and available resources, and our weekly Eblasts are filled with useful information and upcoming events, education opportunities, and exercise classes.
Research: APDA is committed to scientific research and has been a funding partner in many major PD scientific breakthroughs, investing nearly $55 million in research since 1961. Many APDA-funded researchers have successfully leveraged pilot data to secure multi-million dollar grants through the National Institutes of Health and other funding partners. APDA Northwest is the sole funding source for our local Parkinson’s Disease Registry, which connects researchers to potential study participants and helps research happen faster.
Support Groups: In person and online support groups are helping thousands of people in our PD community continue to see friends and maintain their support networks. APDA paid for many of these groups to be led by professional facilitators with expertise in social work, counseling, and the challenges brought on my PD, and supported volunteer leaders by providing . information, assistance, and training. APDA educational support series – such as PRESS™ for newly diagnosed and Tools for Powerful Caregiving - armed and empowered attendees with knowledge about PD as well as the opportunity to develop enriching relationships with their peers and the community.
Activity and Wellness Classes: APDA awards grants to wellness and exercise programs around the Northwest to provide weekly online classes at no charge, and prioritizes variety so that there are offerings for everyone, no matter their fitness level or interests.
Education: In addition to numerous downloadable brochures and free publications, APDA holds numerous innovative education programs throughout the year and across our region to communicate the latest research, trends, and information. Parkinson’s Good Start series is designed for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in the last 3 years. APDA’s Take Control series is held monthly and features rotating topics of interest to people in all stages of their Parkinson’s disease, taught by experts. The Passport to Research series features live conversations with Northwest PD researchers and highlights innovative and promising research initiatives.
Patient Aid Scholarship: APDA awards annual scholarships to help alleviate some of the economic burden created by PD, to help people pay for expenses such as transportation, respite care, at-home assistance, light yard maintenance, exercise classes, adaptive equipment, medication costs, and more. Eligible participants have a Parkinson’s diagnosis and live in Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Idaho, or Montana.
Fundraising: APDA relies on individual donors and events like Magic of Hope to raise funds to support all of the above vital programs, services, and research. Donations come from individuals and corporations, grants, special events, third party fundraising, legacy gifts and much more. It is because of our generous donors that we are able to provide hope and optimism to thousands of people impacted by Parkinson’s disease.
