Epilepsy Foundation New England Awarded $1,380,096 for Public Health AmeriCorps
Funding will support 56 AmeriCorps members to meet public health needs of local community and help rebuild the nation’s public health sector
Lowell, MA (April 25, 2023) – On April 14, 2023, Epilepsy Foundation New England (EFNE) received the news that it was awarded a $1,380,096 Public Health AmeriCorps grant, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism. The funding will expand EFNE’s presence in the region, allowing for up to 56 member positions. These AmeriCorps members meet the public health needs of individuals and families living with epilepsy in New England. With this new funding, EFNE will leverage the skills and experience of AmeriCorps members in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Epilepsy Foundation Connecticut, a separate entity from EFNE, partners with EFNE under this grant to serve those living with epilepsy in Connecticut.
In the United States, 3.4 million people are living with epilepsy. In New England, there are 150,000 individuals with epilepsy. The AmeriCorps members serving with EFNE help with educational outreach for families, public service workers, and first responders whenever possible. They’ll also work with practitioners and clients when support services are needed.
Jeff Ganz, COO of EFNE, “We are thrilled about the 2023 grant award. I joined EFNE because of the innovation that the AmeriCorps program represents, and it’s incredibly exciting to be partnering for a second year. With this grant, EFNE will be increasing the number of AmeriCorps members on our team so that we can provide critical resources to more people living with epilepsy in New England.”
Public Health AmeriCorps, a partnership between AmeriCorps and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, supports the recruitment, training, and development of a new generation of public health leaders. Supported by a five-year, $400 million investment from the American Rescue Plan Act, Public Health AmeriCorps helps meet public health needs of local communities and support while also creating pathways to public health-related careers. With existing programs in nearly 40,000 locations across the country, AmeriCorps is uniquely positioned to bolster community response efforts. For the past two years, thousands of AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers across 50 states and U.S. territories have continued their service, quickly adapting to meet the changing needs caused by the pandemic and have provided vital support, community response, and recovery efforts.
EFNE helps those affected by this disorder across New England. The Foundation is an independent affiliate of Epilepsy Foundation of America, whose mission is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives.
Media Contact:
Amy Mahoney
Director of Development, EFNE
amahoney@epilepsynewengland.org
C: 603-662-6464