Georgians with Epilepsy are on our MindThe Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia is dedicated to meeting the needs of the 150,000 Georgians with a seizure disorder and their families. During the first six months of the 2011-2012 fiscal year, this was accomplished through the following programs: 
 Diversity Initiative Epilepsy knows no limits as far as race, ethnicity, sex, religion or social status. The recent census shows that Georgia has one of the fastest growing, and most diverse populations in the country. This also means there are more Georgians that may have a seizure disorder, and may require more specific information about their condition. Realizing this, the Epilepsy Foundation is developing new resources and materials appropriate to various groups through its' Diversity Initiative. Different cultures can often face barriers such as language and access to care in receiving the services they need to manage their seizures. More than 350,000 or 12% of the African American population, have a seizure disorder. They are more likely to experience Status Epilepticus, and are at an increased risk of SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death from Epilepsy) Often times African American patients have limited access to specialty care and antiepileptic medications or epilepsy surgery. There are also a very limited number of African American neurologists or epilepsy centers located in predominately black communities. To address these disparities, the Epilepsy Foundation has created a new website, Epilepsy in the African American Community, to provide specific information on issues involving epilepsy in African American communities. The site provides information on access to care issues, corrects misconceptions concerning the condition and provides suggestions on how to cope more effectively with epilepsy. Our own Jason Snelling of the Atlanta Falcons is heavily involved in this initiative. Georgia also has one of the largest Hispanic populations in the country. Because of this, we are seeing more Spanish -speaking people with epilepsy. Often times this population is faced with difficulty in receiving appropriate medical care for their seizures due to language barriers and lack of materials/services available in their native tongue. Often times the Hispanic population in Georgia is migrant in nature or lives in rural areas not located near any specialized epilepsy centers. To better serve this population a new website epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsia/ , is now available. We also have a Support Group for the Hispanic Community meeting on a monthly basis at the Latin American Association in Atlanta. Luz Lopez, a long-time member of EFGA's board of directors, is the leader of this group. We hope to have additional diversity materials available in the near future.  First Responder Training One of the key members of the healthcare team in dealing with seizures is the first responder. Whether they be paramedics, fire and rescue personnel or first aid providers, it is important for them to be able to assess the situation and make the initial decisions on the care of the patient. In many cases these personnel are volunteers and may not have years of medical training. Recognizing this, the Epilepsy Foundation has designed a free on-line training designed for EMS providers, so they can be more prepared for epilepsy related calls. The course covers the various types of seizures, appropriate EMS response at the scene, and issues to be considered when there needs to be a decision made whether to transport. The course lasts approximately 60 minutes and offers 1.5 continuing education credits. To access the program, go to the following link:
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