ERC Program Objectives Funded by the Sedgwick County Department of Aging for physical disabilities and United Way of the Plains

School Alert Program ...helping students cope effectively in the classroom The School Alert Program offers students and school personnel an opportunity to learn about epilepsy.  A school presentation provides epilepsy education to students and staff on basic first aid, seizure types, acceptance and diversity.  Video presentations are used for staff and secondary students.  A Kids on the Block Puppet Show in the classroom teaches younger children about epilepsy, friendship and how to deal with any questions that might arise.

Loan Library ...education is the first step to empowerment An assortment of books and videotapes are available for loan to schools, companies, organizations, and agencies interested in epilepsy.  Topics in our educational library include: seizure types, medications, treatment options, first aid, childhood seizures, seizures and family, living with epilepsy, life planning, etc.  Foreign language materials are available.

In-Service Education ...community-based epilepsy information In-service education presentations about epilepsy are available to schools (personnel, parents, and students), aging providers, businesses, government and civic organizations.

Family Camp Day ...sharing time with others on the same journey Family Camp Day is held every August.  Camp offers participants a chance to share with others that face similar daily challenges from living with seizures and their families.  Participants can consult with health professionals regarding their questions about seizures.  Campers of all ages are given the opportunity to address epilepsy as a personal journey in a climate of acceptance, stamping out the myths associated with epilepsy and lessening the sense of isolation that affects those with epilepsy.

Health Fairs ...reaching out to the community to make a difference together Health Fairs provide the opportunity to do outreach in the community to distribute epilepsy-informative literature to the public and continue our efforts to dispel destructive misperceptions the public has about epilepsy.  Health fairs allow ERC to work to eliminate the stigma attached to epilepsy, and educate the public on what should be done if an individual has a seizure and what should not be done.

Adult Support Group ...to inform, enable and encourage Epilepsy Life-Skills Support Group welcomes individuals with epilepsy and their families providing the opportunity to share and support one another in facing the challenges of living with epilepsy.  Members meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at The Arc, 2919 W. 2nd Street in Wichita.  For more information about the group, call (316) 943-2453.

Parents' Glimmer Group ...linking parents to opportunities and encouragement Glimmer Group is a support group for parents and others that care for children with seizure disorders.  Participants obtain support and get information to address teh challenges children have living with epilepsy.  Family and friends are welcome.  The group meets quarterly and for special social events.

Counseling and Case Management ...helping those living with epilepsy Counseling and Case Management support services address the emotional and social consequences of epilepsy.  Information and support is available to help persons overcome obstacles caused by seizures and cope in living with epilepsy.  Services are offered over the telephone to people with epilepsy and their families.

Informational Newletters are developed and disseminated to professionals, individuals served, and aging providers.

ERC Newsletters

Links VIA CHRISTI COMPREHENSIVE EPILEPSY CENTER The Via Christi Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is a "fourth-level" medical referral center-an expert resource for patients and physicians throughout Kansas and surrounding states. Under the direction of Dr. Kore Liow, the center strives to help patients achieve control of their seizures and improve quality of life. Offering advanced diagnostic services, advanced treatments, regional coordination of national drug studies and other research studies, the center cares for more than 1,000 patients from 74 counties in Kansas and nine other states.  The Center has expanded the neuroscience services available and brought the best and most advanced treatment to the state and surrounding region to benefit patients in Kansas and beyond. To contact the center:  http://www.via-christi.org/  or (316) 268-8500. THE EPILEPSY FOUNDATION of AMERICA The Epilepsy Foundation helps people with seizures to participate in all life experiences; and prevent, control and cure epilepsy through research, education, advocacy and services. http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/