The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia (EFGA) is the only health agency in the state dedicated to serving more than 150,000 Georgians in the state who have epilepsy and seizure disorders. The foundation seeks to improve the quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families through community education activities for all age levels and a comprehensive set of client services programs. The foundation also reaches out to the community at large to reduce the stigma that is often attached to epilepsy and educate the public on seizure recognition and first aid.
Through events like the Magnolia Run & Walk, EFGA is able to raise both funds and awareness to assist those living with epilepsy throughout the entire state. The foundation is reliant on the support of the communit and strives to reach all Georgians living with disorder and their families. Learn more about the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia.
ABOUT EFGA
• Educational Programs
EFGA provides free educational in-services on seizure recognition/first aid at schools, daycare centers, developmental disability facilities, senior centers and in the workplace.
• Support Groups
Living with a chronic condition is easier when you can share with others who are in a similar situation. The EFGA has 6 support groups meeting on a monthly basis throughout the state. We also offer online e-communities for those with transportation issues.
• StudioE: Art Therapy Program
StudioE offers group art therapy sessions for adults (18+) with epilepsy, allowing them to explore their creativity, meet others with epilepsy and express themselves in an open, accepting and safe group setting. Art is a natural way to communicate, relieve tension and express emotions.
• Information and Referrals
Understanding epilepsy can help to reduce fear and anxiety. We have a wide variety of materials on topics concerning epilepsy including types of epilepsy, treatment options, educational/legal rights and information for caregivers. We can also provide referrals to epilepsy specialists or other agencies that might provide a service not covered by EFGA.
• Emergency Medication Fund
Often people with epilepsy have no insurance coverage and limited financial resources. The EFGA has an emergency medication fund which will provide a one month supply of the seizure control medications per patient per calendar year. Patients are then provided with assistance in enrolling in one of the drug company sponsored medication assistance programs.
• Camps
All children should have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of summer camp. EFGA offers camps which are staffed with counselors trained in seizure recognition/first aid, and also a full-time medical staff. We also provide camp scholarships for children whose families have limited financial resources.
• Advocacy
Often times people with epilepsy face barriers in the workplace, in educational institutions and in the legal arena. EFGA works to advise its clients of their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws. We also advocate for increased funding of epilepsy research through the National Institutes of Health.
• EFWorks
The Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, with sponsorship from UCB, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company with operations in Smyrna, Georgia, has recently launched the EFWorks program in Georgia. EFWorks is a specialized vocational rehabilitation program specifically targeted to Georgians living with epilepsy who are seeking employment.