What is the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas?
The Parkinson Association of the Carolinas (PAC) was formally recognized as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization in 2002 with a mission “to serve as a resource for individuals and their families affected by Parkinson’s disease in the Carolinas, through education, community outreach, and direct support.”
PAC aims to support people with Parkinson’s disease throughout North and South Carolina so that they can remain independent and stay active in the community until a cure is found. The organization uses its resources and expertise to support, educate and empower those impacted by the disease. They give patients the tools needed to better manage the disease and to allow them to maintain the highest quality of life, for as long as possible.
What types of programs and services does PAC offer?
- PAC’s programs and services provide people with Parkinson’s disease and their families with the tools needed to manage the disease.
- PAC provides resources to the Parkinson’s community through the website, distribution of a monthly newsletter which includes educational information about Parkinson’s disease, community resources, fundraisers, educational events, exercise programs, support group meetings, and a variety of other topics.
- PAC offers a toll-free resource line, answered by a staff member, for individuals seeking information about Parkinson’s disease and resources available in their area.
- PAC provides support for people with Parkinson’s, their care partners, and family members through a monthly Virtual Support Group.
- PAC assists support group leaders throughout North and South Carolina with resources and information.
- PAC maintains a listing of individuals and organizations who are willing to speak to people with Parkinson’s, care partners, and support groups about the challenges people with Parkinson’s face during their journey with Parkinson’s disease.
- PAC partners with medical centers and other experts in the field to offer educational symposiums for people with Parkinson’s and their families.
- PAC provides exercise and movement therapy programs including yoga, cycling, and Dance for Parkinson’s.
- PAC offers a monthly Wellness Wednesday webinar to provide practical ways to maintain quality of life with Parkinson’s disease.
- PAC provides educational webinars about important topics related to living with Parkinson’s disease.
- PAC works with local and regional senior living and home care organizations to provide education on how to best support people with Parkinson’s.