Our Mission

Our mission is to enable people with epilepsy and their families to make decisions and take actions regarding health care, productivity, independence and community participation. The Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island works actively with volunteers, professionals and community organizations to educate the public about epilepsy.

Founded in 1983, the Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is an independent affiliate of the national office of the Epilepsy Foundation and supports direct service programs for persons who have epilepsy and their families. The Foundation also offers programs of information and education for lay and professional audiences.

Although research and improved medical treatments now make a normal life possible for the majority of people with epilepsy, many are still discriminated against both socially and in the workplace. Many others receive less than optimal treatment for their seizure disorders and could benefit from a medical re-evaluation.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island is governed by a board of directors comprised of dedicated men and women volunteers from throughout the community and is advised by an active Professional Advisory Board of medical and other professional specialists. We have six full-time and three part-time staff members.

The Foundation is a non-profit voluntary health agency recognized by the IRS as a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Funded primarily through individual contributions from the general public and from fundraising events, the Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts and Rhode Island also receives support in the form of restricted projects grants. An annual report is available on request.

The Foundation is a member of the Massachusetts Committee of the National Voluntary Health Agencies and participates in the Combined Federal Campaign.