November 15, 2023 – Epilepsy Alliance Florida has been awarded a $25,000 grant through the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation’s 2023 Community Grants Program. The grant will support the non-profit organization’s quest to help all Miami-Dade County residents with epilepsy live seizure-free and play a productive role in society.

For more than 52 years, Epilepsy Alliance Florida has served as the principal agency for epilepsy programs and services sponsored by the State of Florida, servicing more than half a million Floridians who live with the condition. The agency currently serves approximately 700 Miami-Dade clients ranging in age from young children to the elderly, and is the only South Florida provider of epilepsy-specific medical, psychological, and case-management services.

This grant funding will enable experienced, trained case managers who speak multiple languages to help residents with epilepsy understand their disease and combat it through comprehensive case management and social services. In addition to free medical care for patients living at or below the poverty level, this funding will allow Epilepsy Alliance Florida to offer psychological counseling at no cost and client referrals to other agencies for help with homelessness, unemployment, food insecurity, and other social determinants of health.

“This funding from the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation is critical in ensuring we’re able to deliver on our mission,” said Karen Basha Egozi, president and CEO of Epilepsy Alliance Florida. “We deeply appreciate the Foundation’s support as we work to help every South Floridian living with epilepsy be productive, independent, and seizure-free.”

The Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation provides funding for programs and projects designed to improve, preserve, or restore the health and healthcare of people in Miami-Dade County. It has invested $49.5 million into the community during its 30-year history, providing more than 500 grants to community-based organizations.

To learn more about Epilepsy Alliance Florida and its mission, visit epilepsyalliancefl.com.

Epilepsy Alliance Florida (formerly Epilepsy Florida), established in 1971 as a not-for-profit 501 (c)(3), is dedicated to supporting those impacted by epilepsy by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures. It is a founding member of the Epilepsy Alliance America. Epilepsy Alliance Florida provides numerous services to individuals and families, including advocacy and counseling, education and prevention, direct medical and neuropsychological services, as well as other programs regardless of financial situation or socioeconomic status. For more information, visit epilepsyalliancefl.com.