National Multiple Sclerosis Society New York

MS Navigator

No one should face MS alone. Every person affected by MS deserves a lifelong partner and resource through all the decisions along their journey to manage MS and live the life they want. For too many people living with MS, significant challenges and roadblocks prevent them from living their best lives. Disease progression, social systems, and financial and environmental factors can present seemingly insurmountable obstacles to needed support, home care, medical equipment, insurance, and other benefits. We know these issues exist for many people living with MS. MS Navigators are professionals with experience in social work, counseling and health support services, with ongoing training specific to the needs of people with MS. Support is one-on-one and customized to the individual, because every experience with MS is different. MS Navigators across the country are connected to one another, in real time, sharing resources and learnings to more effectively solve problems. MS Navigators make strategic use of financial assistance when needed to stabilize a person’s situation as they work on long-term options to meet life goals. Specialized case management services are available for those without adequate support systems to provide in-person needs assessment and support to achieve goals of independence and safety—so people can live life their way. Difficult circumstances are addressed, including: financial hardship, need for home modifications and care coordination, access to community resources such as meal delivery, and other life-changing resources. MS Navigators provide help for all people with MS — where and when they need it. Services are available for all people affected by MS, regardless of their location, and individuals can connect with an MS Navigator through one’s preferred engagement method, whether it be phone, email or on our website through our live chat function.

Community Engagement Programs

Through the National MS Society's Community Engagement program, we provide opportunities for those affected by MS to receive the support, connection, and resources they need to live their best lives. We provide the following opportunities, which include both virtual and in-person offerings: 1. Pathways to Wellness in MS: this program empowers people affected by MS to solve wellness challenges and connect with others in the MS community. In this program, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the latest wellness research, taking a comprehensive approach to a healthy lifestyle with MS, and learning about different wellness dimensions for people living with MS. This program encourages group discussions, connecting with others affected by MS, and learning about Society resources. 2. New to MS Programs: these opportunities provide an interactive space for people affected by MS to come together to learn about MS, how to address the challenges of a new diagnosis, and how to identify strategies to help navigate your journey. 3. Black MS Experience Community Program: Being Black with MS carries unique challenges and experiences – from scientific and clinical differences in the disease itself to inequities in the healthcare system and more. The Black MS Experience Program Series is an opportunity to connect with others who understand the distinct experience of life with MS as a Black person. Through special program experiences, we forge powerful connections, learn from leading scientific and healthcare experts, and give voice to the unique needs of the Black community living with this disease. In-person and virtual community programs feature a variety of topics and provide opportunities to connect with others in the MS community. 4. Hispanic/Latinx MS Experience Community Program: People living with MS, as well as their loved ones, face their own, unique challenges. For the Hispanic/Latinx community, language barriers and cultural differences can compound these challenges. This program aims to create a safe space to raise awareness and an opportunity to connect with others who understand this distinct experience of life with MS including family members and friends. Topics focus on strengthening family and social support and thriving with MS in the Hispanic/Latinx MS community.

Peer Connections Program

Living with a chronic, unpredictable disease like MS can be a challenging, isolating and worrisome journey. Without the proper support and connections to live one’s best life, people with MS are at greater risk for depression and disease progression. Navigating the challenges of MS while remaining hopeful about the future takes continuous information, support and resilience. The National MS Society provides the following opportunities for those affected by MS to connect with peers in their community for support, resources, and connection: 1. Self-Help Groups: regularly-scheduled opportunities, both virtually and in-person, for those affected by MS to connect, engage, and receive support from peers. Self-help groups bring people together who share common life experiences for support, education and mutual aid. Benefits of participating in a self-help group include: learning new information and strategies for confronting problems, finding support from others, receiving the opportunity to help others, and feeling empowered and more self-confident in coping with challenges. Society self-help groups focus on support, advocacy, education, wellness or may be more social in nature.  Some groups also serve specific populations, such as young adults, parents with MS, or carepartners.  Other groups may have a specific focus, such as physical activity, wellness or healthy living. People come together at self-help groups to lift each other up through personal struggles and encourage each other to try new things and live each day to its full potential. 2. Online Communities: the National MS Society Online Communities provide people affected by multiple sclerosis the support, information and connections they need —when they need them. These 24/7 online communities are led by trained volunteers who assist in leading conversations and ensuring community members have access to resources like the Society’s MS Navigator program, crisis support, and other Society programs and information. Community members can expect an environment that respects privacy and is free of hate speech, bullying and spamming. The National MS Society Online Communities are open to all people affected by multiple sclerosis and offer organic opportunities to give and receive support in a safe environment. They provide space to create lasting relationships with others and allow people to find community anytime, from anywhere in the world. 3. MSFriends: this program connects participants with a supportive, empathetic volunteer who understands life with MS and can say, “I've been there too.” Typical conversations between MSFriends participants and volunteers include: family and social dynamics, symptom management, changes to everyday life, and adapting to a new normal. By joining the MSFriends program, participants get access to confidential one-on-one conversations with trained volunteers on their schedule. MSFriends meet for up to six months via phone, email or video calls based on participants' preference.