Parkinson Association of the Carolinas

Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) fulfills its mission to serve as a resource for individuals and their families affected by Parkinsons disease in the Carolinas, through education, community outreach, and direct support with its many programs. PAC is a resource center in the Carolinas by providing people by email and phone for information. To initiate a live conversation with a staff member, people can dial a toll-free number for information on Parkinson's Disease (PD) and ways to cope with this progressive neurological disease. Many of the callers are directed to support groups closest to their homes. It is through support groups where people gather the most information and where they can offer and receive support from others who understand firsthand about the challenges they face. PAC's website, social media and monthly newsletter provides movement class listing and support group meeting information including location and time, current topic, and support group leader contact information. The newsletter also features articles about upcoming educational and awareness events and information about PD. PAC maintains a library of reading and audio-visual material available for members and for newly diagnosed patients and family members. The Movement Therapy Program helps people with Parkinsons stay active, improve mobility, and enhance their quality of life. PAC supports approximately 50 classes per month, and through additional grants was able to support an additional 8 week exercise series for Parkinsons and a drumming class which helped participants practice cognitive skills, movement, and music.PACs educational events and resources empower individuals and families to better understand Parkinsons, learn strategies to manage daily life, raise community awareness, and advocate for community needs. PAC continued to offer monthly wellness webinars connecting people and resources from North and South Carolina, hosted its annual Symposium, and held its first Caregiver Summit, providing needed information to loved ones caring for a person with Parkinsons. PAC provides a network where people with Parkinsons and their loved ones can connect, share experiences, and find encouragement through its support programs including a monthly online support group, connecting people to in-person support groups where they live, providing resources to support groups in North and South Carolina, and visiting with support groups for Parkinsons disease.