American Parkinson Disease Association

Mission

Every day, we provide the support, education, research, and community that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson's disease live life to the fullest.

Description

APDA Northwest builds connections and community by providing support, wellness, financial assistance, education, resources, and research to thousands of people impacted by Parkinson's in the Northwest. Our support programs empower hundreds of attendees with knowledge about PD as well as the opportunity to develop enriching relationships with their peers and the community. Our support series for newly diagnosed (PRESS), advancing Parkinson's (PRESS On) and caregivers (Care Partner Connection) are led by professional facilitators with expertise in social work, counseling, and the challenges brought on by PD. Offered in person and also on Zoom, so people can participate no matter where they live. In addition to support groups formed by geographic location, APDA supports other groups for Veterans, atypical Parkinson's, people living alone with PD, and more. Our virtual and in-person wellness and fitness programs - offered free of charge - emphasize the importance of exercise and physical activity for people with PD, producing benefits such as increased strength and endurance, improved gait and balance, cardiovascular fitness, and overall better quality of life. APDA recognizes that Parkinson's can be expensive, and our Financial Hardship Fund provides financial assistance to relieve that financial burden. Our in-person Live Well symposiums and Parkinson's Education Days bring education and movement opportunities where YOU live. 

APDA can help fill the gaps in between doctor appointments. We provide information by phone and email and numerous free resources that can be downloaded or mailed free of charge. We connect callers to specialists, support groups, and exercise classes, as well as providing free printed booklets and online education materials. Our Northwest chapter has a master's level social worker on staff who is available to discuss your personal journey with Parkinson’s Disease, and these 1-on-1 consultations are an opportunity to be seen and heard by a compassionate social worker who can offer advice, reassurance and connections to community. 

APDA is also committed to funding innovative research at the ground level, and our Northwest chapter fully funds the local Parkinson's Disease Registry which connects the Northwest research community with potential study participants, to help research happen faster.

Every 6 Minutes someone is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. APDA Northwest chapter have boots on the ground, with 6 full time staff working tirelessly to connect, support, and educate. We are proud to serve our PD community in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Oregon.  You can read about the many ways that APDA is here to help in the graphic below: