In a way, the National Spinal Cord Injury Association does not desire new members.
Some 30 newly injured people each day join the ranks of those with a spinal cord injury disability, reports the United States' oldest and largest civilian group devoted to the concern.
The association, founded in 1948, provides disability resources for those in need but also strives for prevention. Injury is one cause of spinal cord disability, but inherited disease is another. Some accidents can be prevented, and in some cases couples may be informed that they both carry the trait for a disease such as spinal muscular atrophy. Group leaders hope to reduce the 30-per-day count.
The National Spinal Cord Injury Association strives to help members maintain high levels of health, independence and personal fulfillment. The group's Peer Support Network ensures that anyone in need can find a companion who will listen, give comfort and provide advice if asked. For peer counseling, The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation is providing funds. Reeve was an actor who was paralyzed in a 1995 horse-riding accident and died from the effects in 2004.
Education is geared not just to members, but to the general public, policy makers and the news media. Messages on injury prevention are teamed with news of improvements in medical, rehabilitative and support services. Advocates push for increased research as part of public policy.
The National Spinal Court Injury Association offers disability resources to toll-free callers via 1-800-962-9629, or via e-mail, info@spinalcord.org. The association's Website, spinalcord.org, draws 500,000 visitors per year, which amounts to an average of one for each minute of every day. Information is available in 120 alphabetical categories, anything from pain management to recreation options.
SCILife is the association's every-other-month publication, and Editor Lex Frieden now chairs the National Council on Disability.
Sources:www.spinalcord.orgSee Michael Thompson's Profile on Disaboom See Michael Thompson's Profile on Associated Content
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