About the Multiple Sclerosis Service League:
The Multiple Sclerosis Service League is an independent non-profit human service organization [501(c)3] providing support services for people affected by multiple sclerosis who live in Black Hawk, Bremer, Butler, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Grundy and Tama Counties of Iowa. Support services fall into three categories – counseling, education and advocacy.

Counseling

• Counseling is provided for individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and/or their family members to address the many and continuing emotional and practical issues which arise with the diagnosis and progression of symptoms.
• Monthly support group meetings offer an opportunity for individuals and their family members to share their concerns and experiences as they go through the emotional adjustment process of adapting to life with a chronic, progressive illness. Four support groups are held monthly in locations throughout the seven-county area covered by the Multiple Sclerosis Service League.

Education

• The monthly newsletter is an educational tool used to provide information about medical treatment options, symptom management and the emotional issues related to daily life affected by multiple sclerosis. This newsletter is written in-house using information from current professional journals and periodicals and is customized to the needs expressed by the people served by the agency.
• Community education and in-service training sessions are provided to community members and direct care providers to improve understanding of multiple sclerosis, symptoms, and medical treatments as well as providing information about services provided by the Multiple Sclerosis Service League.
• Swimming and gentle exercise classes help people enhance their health and wellness. Classes are offered at the YWCA in Waterloo. Fees are paid for by the Multiple Sclerosis Service League.

Advocacy

• The MSSL makes referrals to and coordinates with health and human service agencies.
• The MSSL provides assistance with applications to develop long-term financial resources (ie. Social Security Disability Insurance, specialized health insurance programs, waiver applications to fund in-home health care services).
• The MSSL acts as liaison with health care providers.
• The MSSL supports continued employment by acting as a liaison between employees with multiple sclerosis and their employers.
• The MSSL provides assistance accessing adaptive medical equipment.
• The MSSL provides funding for the purchase and/or repair of adaptive medical equipment for individuals who have no other funding source.