EPILEPSY FLORIDA Officially Launches

On Monday July 23, the now-former Epilepsy Foundation of Florida relaunched as Epilepsy Florida, a state-based organization dedicated to providing support, care, and service to Floridians with epilepsy, and their families, caregivers, and communities.

Epilepsy Florida was founded in the wake of the Epilepsy Foundation of America’s disaffiliation on July 22 of several state affiliates, following disagreements about that organization’s direction. In recent years, the Epilepsy Foundation’s focus had shifted towards research, fundraising, and centralizing operations in its Washington area headquarters, while state affiliates remained engaged in providing direct support to people living with epilepsy in their local communities.

“This is a brand new day for those with epilepsy. We have a new name, but the same mission of caring for people with epilepsy, and the people who care for them,” said Karen Basha Egozi, CEO of Epilepsy Florida. “For decades, our focus has been on service, and we’re excited to continue providing education, resources, and hope to people living with epilepsy, their families, their caregivers, and their communities.”

Services provided by Epilepsy Florida include educational programs in schools, support groups and information services for those with epilepsy, case management, a neurologist referral network, and Affordable Care Act enrollment assistance. Anyone in Florida seeking assistance managing their epilepsy should visit EpilepsyFla.org.

3 million Americans are living with epilepsy, with 150,000 more people diagnosed each year. More than 400,000 Floridians live with epilepsy. 1 in 26 people will be diagnosed in their lifetimes with epilepsy, a common neurological condition that can cause seizures.