The Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana has an active grassroots advocacy network where consumers effect change in the social service delivery system at the local, state, and national levels. Development of services are provided by individual advocacy and systems advocacy.

At the Epilepsy Foundation, we advocate vigorously for people with epilepsy. We believe that having access to medical specialists, the right medications and treatment options makes a tremendous difference in the lives of individuals with epilepsy and their family members. Besides advocating for the best medical care, we offer support in social services, employment, insurance and legal rights.

At the Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana, we believe that by raising the level of awareness and teaching the general public about epilepsy, we can help reduce the fear and stigma associated with the disorder. If you are interested in advocating for epilepsy, contact us at 1-800-960-0587 (toll free) or info@epilepsylouisiana.org

HAVE YOU MET AMY?

If you haven't it's time you get to know Amy Nicols the advocacy coordinator for the state.  Amy puts out a monthly advocacy alert to the community on advocacy issues both locally and nationally.  If you are not receiving Amy's advocacy alerts click on the following link to begin receiving them.  Receive Advocacy Alerts.  If you would like to get involved in the Epilepsy Foundation's advocacy efforts email Amy: amy@epilepsylouisiana.org   Read Amy's past Advocacy Alerts:

March 2009 

April 2009

May 2009

June 2009

Find Your Congressional Leaders

Louisiana Board of Pharmacy Complaint Form 

 Advocacy, Anti-Seizure Medication & You

This year, 2007, marked the first attempt by the Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana to support the passing of a House bill designed to protect the rights of Louisiana Residents with epilepsy. The Patient Protection Act was designed to require that all persons taking anti-epileptic medications and their doctors be fully informed before any change is made to the formulation of their medications. We at the Epilepsy Foundation strongly supported this legislation because many people have reported a change in their seizure status when the formulation of their medication has been changed. People from across the state were sought out to begin a grass roots advocacy initiative designed to support this legislation and an advocacy training session this past March. Unfortunately, the Patient Protection Act did not make it out of the Senate Health & Welfare committee this session. We are saddened by this turn of events but we are not giving up the fight. Our efforts to support such legislation and to encourage grass roots advocacy for the rights of individuals with epilepsy in Louisiana will continue in the future (more).

Report breakthrough seizures that occur after a change from one medication formulation to another to the following: 

Louisiana Board of Pharmacy Complaint Form 

• FDA's MedWatch Program - 800-FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch
• Epilepsy Foundation of Louisiana 800-960-0587 or info@epilepsylouisiana.org
• Louisiana Board of Pharmacy 225-925-6496 www.labp.com