MS Association of King County to merge with Greater Washington Chapter

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County after more than 50 years of operation is shutting down and will merge the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society.

Here is the press release from the National MS Society on the merger:

Two local multiple sclerosis nonprofits will merge

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of King County (MSA) – a source of counseling and care management services for people with MS since 1956 – will cease operation by the end of this year and merge with the Greater Washington Chapter of the National MS Society (GWC/NMSS), which is assuming all MSA client services.

In a joint communication announcing the merger to MSA clients, donors and the Puget Sound health care community, MSA Board Chair David Chambers and GWC/NMSS Board Chair John Bjornson said, “For decades, two different King County nonprofit organizations shared one common goal: making life better for people with MS. Now, the two are merging so they may serve that goal even more successfully.”

“We are pleased that the Puget Sound MS community now has a single place to turn for services, programs, education, and opportunities to volunteer and donate to the MS cause,” the Board chairs stated. “Most of all, we are very happy that the excellent services MSA clients have received through the years will continue and, in many cases, be enhanced through the National MS Society.”

While the current economic downturn did not directly influence the merger decision, the men noted, it did underscore the obligation of all nonprofit organizations to make the most efficient use of donor contributions.

“We know you share our pride in MSA’s 52 years of service to people living with MS in our community,” the Board chairs said. “This merger enables us to honor the Association’s legacy by continuing its services and building upon its successes. The leadership of both organizations considered this step very carefully and we agree that the merger is the right thing to do to most effectively and efficiently serve the MS community.”

MSA clients who have questions about their continuing services or other aspects of the merger are encouraged to contact the National MS Society at 206-284-4254. Those who would like to praise the past work of MSA may post a message on a special page established on the Chapter Web site. Go to MSwashington.org and click on ‘Tributes to MSA’.

To learn more about MS in the Northwest:

• Visit the National MS Society’s page on MS in the Northwest.

Tags: MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Northwest

Category: Multiple Sclerosis