National MS Society, Mid-America Chapter

About National MS Society, Mid-America Chapter

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society exists because there are people with MS. Our vision is a world free of MS.  We will cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives.

We are more than an organization. We are a movement - united in our collective power to do something about MS now and end this disease forever. We are the gathering place for people with MS, their family and loved ones, healthcare providers, volunteers, donors, fundraisers, advocates, community leaders and all those that seek a world free of MS. We are a place to connect and take action. In order to change the world, we mobilize all possible human and financial resources to achieve results.

Programs & Services Offered

  • MS Navigator: MS Navigators are highly skilled, compassionate professionals who help connect people affected by MS to the information, resources and support. MS Navigators help people navigate the challenges of MS that are unique to their situation. MS Navigators can be accessed via phone to schedule an appointment, as well as on the Society’s website through the online web form or chat.

  • Case Management: People who connect with an MS Navigator may be referred to case management services for more in-depth, individual support services based on their specific needs. The National MS Society partners with the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) to provide nationwide telephonic case management to people living with MS. Case managers assist people with issues such as navigating health insurance, disability screening and employer applications for disability benefits, and identifying support for financial hardships.

  • Ask an MS Expert: The Ask an MS Expert program series focuses on trending topics of interest to the MS community. During weekly virtual programs, MS Navigators provide live resource support through chat. Live virtual programming is available on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch. On-demand episodes are available on Facebook and YouTube. Spanish program content is delivered on a monthly basis and veteran’s content is delivered on a quarterly basis.

  • Black MS Experience: Being Black with MS carries unique challenges and experiences. From scientific and clinical differences in the disease itself to stark inequities in the healthcare system and beyond. The Black MS Experience Program Series is an opportunity to learn and connect with others who understand the distinct experience of life with MS as a Black person.

    • Black MS Experience Summit: The Black MS Experience Summit is an opportunity to connect with others who understand the distinct experience of life with MS as a Black person. Throughout this interactive, two-day virtual program, we forge powerful connections, learn from leading scientific and healthcare experts, and give voice to the unique needs of the Black community living with MS. This annual live program is available in June or on demand on YouTube with previous program recordings.

    • Community Programs*: Through content, videos and discussions on a variety of topics related to navigating and overcoming challenges in daily life with MS, community programs offer a safe space to raise awareness and forge connections to help Black individuals living with this disease be seen and understood.

  • Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Summit: MS poses unique challenges to those in the Hispanic/Latinx MS community. Some may experience cultural and language barriers, a diagnosis at a young age and more severe symptoms. The Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Summit is an interactive bilingual, virtual program for everyone in the Hispanic/Latinx MS community. The Summit features dynamic stories, speakers, and resources. Attendees can join live sessions in Spanish and English to learn from experts and build connections. This annual live program is available in October or on demand on YouTube with previous program recordings.

  • New to MS*: Individuals connect and learn with others who are new to MS and navigate their own journeys. This virtual and in-person program offers information about MS and advice on managing MS.

  • Pathways to Wellness in MS*: In-person and virtual community programs feature a variety of wellness topics and provide opportunities to connect with others in the MS community. Programs feature strategies to live well with MS to help improve health and quality of life.

  • Pediatric MS: This virtual program is designed for preteens and teens who live with MS, as well as their parents or legal guardians. Participants have the opportunity to learn more about topics specific to the pediatric MS community and ask questions of a healthcare professional.

  • Resilience: People living with MS and their families may find that the physical, emotional, cognitive, psychological and spiritual challenges of living with the disease can be overwhelming. Some may feel that the challenges of living with a chronic disease are very hard to face day after day. But many people living with chronic diseases, including MS, have learned that practicing behaviors that promote resilience is the secret to not just coping with the disease, but thriving with it. Resilience helps create a mindset of growth and opportunities, of seeing obstacles as challenges rather than threats. This virtual program includes strategies for developing personal resilience.

    *This program is available virtually and in-person. In-person availability of programs vary by location.  A list of program support services in Nebraska is attached.

Did You Know?

  • In Nebraska, more than 3,700 people have MS, but including family members and caregivers, more than 13,000 people are affected by MS.

  • The cause of MS is still unknown. Scientists believe that a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing MS.

  • The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease.

  • Nearly 1 million people are living with MS in the United States, according to a study funded by the National MS Society.

You Can Help

  • $10 provides a person newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis crucial information and support resources to help them cope with the diagnosis.

  • $100 purchases a cooling vest for a person with MS who is dealing with heat-related challenges that warm weather can often bring. This vest allows them to continue enjoying activities outdoors during the difficult summer months.

  • $150 replaces a battery for an electric wheelchair or scooter, allowing people to have more independence and freedom.

  • $250 covers costs for housing or utilities to help reduce the economic impact of living with an expensive chronic disease.

  • $500 provides two weeks of in-home chore services for a person with MS who is having trouble completing tasks such as laundry, vacuuming, dusting, etc.

  • $800 installs a set of hand controls for an automobile to make it accessible, this will enhance the independence of the person living with MS.

  • $1,500 mails one quarterly issue of the MS Connection to all Nebraskans with MS.

Dollars at Work

  • Last year, 501 people from the Mid-America Chapter received assistance through the MS Navigator Program through 2,892 interactions. Specifically in Nebraska, 187 constituents were assisted through 1,225 interactions.

  • Last year, 30 individuals who were newly diagnosed with MS in the Mid-America Chapter connected with the Society, and 14 individuals specifically in Nebraska.

Contact Info
800-344-4867 | website