Up Front

By Douglas G. Franklin As I write this we are preparing to evaluate our extensive Needs Assessment Survey. This professionally designed and detailed questionnaire was mailed to more than two thousand of MSAA's clients, in an effort to learn more about the individuals that MSAA serves, as well as how we may improve upon our present programs and services.

The survey included many questions on topics such as: gender, age, type of MS, symptoms experienced, and level of mobility; education, employment, income, and insurance; information and educational needs; evaluation of present MSAA programs and services as well as evaluation of potential new programs and services. The responses we received help us specifically understand who we are reaching, the services that are of greatest value, and what we can do to provide additional assistance. Our goal is to ensure that we apply our limited resources to the most beneficial services, helping the most people in as many places as possible across the country.

Our Healthcare Advisory Council has been validating the findings from the survey and their recommendations are shared with our professional staff and the MSAA Board of Directors for their deliberation and approval. During the upcoming months, we will develop a new strategic plan for MSAA that will maximize our effectiveness for these newly identified priorities.

Other news includes the printing of the new, third edition of our publication All About Multiple Sclerosis, which is available by contacting MSAA via phone at (800) 532-7667, or by visiting our website at www.msaa.com. MSAA's Annual Report for 2004/2005 has also been distributed. In this report, MSAA's 35th anniversary was highlighted, showcasing the many positive milestones that MSAA has undergone.

Looking ahead, MSAA will be promoting MS awareness in the month of March and we encourage all of our readers to get involved in this important public education effort. In April, MSAA will exhibit again at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting in San Diego. We will also exhibit at the Consortium of MS Centers' Annual Meeting in Scottsdale this June, where we will conduct a joint workshop with the MS Coalition and hold our spring Board meeting. Clearly, 2006 will prove to be another busy year as we build on our 35-year history of serving people with MS.

On a final note, it is with much sadness that we say goodbye to MSAA Healthcare Advisory Council member Kenneth M. Viste, Jr., MD, who passed away in late 2005. Previously holding the position of chairman for the American Academy of Neurology, Dr. Viste made many valuable contributions to the medical community and was a strong supporter of MSAA. He was a dear friend to all and he will be greatly missed.

Douglas G. Franklin joined MSAA as President & Chief Executive Officer in 1999 and has strategically guided its national outreach and corporate partnership support to unprecedented levels. Mr. Franklin is a former national trainer for the Drucker Foundation and is an internationally published expert in the field of social marketing who holds degrees from four universities. He currently serves on the national board of the Key Philanthropic Organizations Committee of the American Society of Association Executives and is a member of the Executive Committee of Health First - America's Charities Board in Washington, DC.

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