All Pawtucket All The Time

R.I. Chapter of National MS Society in D.C. to Advocate for People with Disabilities

The R.I. Chapter of the National MS Society in the nation’s capital. L-R: Chapter Director of Programs and Services Gwen Reeve; Rep. Patrick Kennedy; MS advocate Judy McLaren; and Chapter President Kathy Mechnig.

Representatives from the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society were in the nation’s capital earlier this month to advocate for people with disabilities as part of the National MS Society’s 19^th Annual Public Policy Conference.

Chapter President Kathy Mechnig and Director of Programs & Services Gwen Reeve met with Rep. Patrick Kennedy while they were in Washington, D.C. to discuss public policy issues that could improve the quality of life for people with MS. They were joined by Rhode Island MS advocate Judy McLaren.

MS activists have a direct, positive impact on federal policy. This year, activists are advocating for: full funding of respite care services; advancement of the National MS and Parkinson’s Disease Registries Act; and increased support for MS research within the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs.