Watertown Commission on Disability

From Ginny Morse of the Disability Policy Consortium:

MS Action Day
Presented by the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
Central New England Chapter

Massachusetts State House
The Great Hall
Boston, Mass.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Keynote Address

Amy Whitcomb Slemmer
Executive Director, Healthcare for All, Boston

Legislative Sponsors
Senator Mark Montigny
Representative Elizabeth Malia

– MS Week in the Commonwealth – April 12 – 18

Join Us

MS Action Day on Beacon Hill Act Now!

During these trying economic times our collective voices on issues that benefit people with MS and their families is needed more than ever. Funding for Home LINKS and Community First has been reduced through cuts this current year, so it is imperative that funding is restored. If you have never attended this annual event, make a commitment to do so this year. Join others with MS, their families and health care professionals from around the state to advocate for the following priority issues:

· Funding for Home Links, the Chapter’s care management program.

· Funding for Community First, a new Medicaid home and community based services waiver to benefit disabled adults.

· A spousal waiver to increase Medicaid eligibility for severely disabled adults by excluding spousal income.

· Resolutions urging the federal government to eliminate the two-year wait for Medicare.

Please attend the rally and bring a friend or two!

Amy Whitcomb Slemmer

Keynote Speaker

Amy Whitcomb Slemmer is the Executive Director of Health Care For All in Boston. She is a health care attorney with more than 20 years of health policy and management experience in national and local arenas. Ms. Slemmer has earned a reputation for her commitment to social justice, her ability to foster collaborations and partnerships, and for leading with vision and passion.

Additional Speakers:

Bruce Wright, MS Activist

James Beagan, MS Government Relations, Committee Co-chair

10:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Registration/continental breakfast

11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Rally, with guest speakers

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Visits with legislators

Studies show that early and ongoing treatment with an FDA-approved therapy can reduce future disease activity and improve quality of life for many people with multiple sclerosis. The National MS Society’s medical advisors recommend that people with MS talk with their health care professionals about using these medications and about effective strategies and treatments to manage symptoms. If you or someone you know has MS, please contact the National MS Society at www.MSnewengland.org or 1-800-344-4867 to learn more.