Click here to see a listing of Support Groups in Nebraska
The Parkinson's Center of Nebraska is the only educational resource Center in the state that focuses entirely on Parkinson's disease. The center is a grassroots organization committed to providing services, educational programs and activities for people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.
Lisa A. Brovold, education coordinator, manages the educational and administrative responsibilities of the center and provides services to all medical education institutions and health facilities across Nebraska. The Center provides five services to assist the Parkinson's community throughout Nebraska. These services include education, support group sponsorship, information and resource provision, referral assistance and awareness.
The Parkinson's Center has a five-fold purpose:
- Provides information and resources to the Parkinson's community. The center offers free publications along with many educational tools that can be borrowed or purchased.
- Offers referrals for services such as medical professionals, physical therapists, home health care, respite and exercise programs to name a few. These resources aid the person in their journey to maintain an optimal quality of life while living with a chronic disease.
- Coordinates and assists with Parkinson's support groups in Nebraska. There are currently 25 support groups in various cities in Nebraska. Support groups provide a setting for the exchange of information, ideas and encouragement to enable the participants to better cope with the challenges of Parkinson's.
- Helps raise awareness throughout Nebraska in regards to Parkinson's Disease. April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and several special events take place in the spring.
- Conducts and organizes educational programs to train professionals as well as patients, caregivers, family and friends. An Annual Parkinson's Disease Symposium is held twice a year; one in North Platte and one in Omaha. The coordinator also organizes teleconferences that are broadcast to 14 sites across Nebraska. The Parkinson's community can interact with the speaker live, allowing them to get current information about the disease without having to travel long distances.