An interview with Naomi McLeod from the American Parkinson’s Disease Association– Virginia on June 30, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Naomi McLeod is the Program Director for the Virginia Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA). Her role at APDA is developing educational programming geared towards Parkinson’s patients, families, and the community’s needs of Virginia. She graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Following graduation, she worked at Sentara Healthcare as a Rehabilitation Aide providing education and assisting in therapy treatments for stroke, diabetes, hip/knee replacements and ICU patients. She later returned to Old Dominion University to pursue a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in Health Promotion and Behavior. Her personal experiences with family members have led her to the field within public health and she is happy to share resources and education towards families and people diagnosed with chronic and progressive illnesses.
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
I got involved with awareness following graduate school where I studied Public Health. My Father had Congestive Heart Failure, from watching his health decline, it motivated me to provide resources and education for those in the community who are experiencing chronic illnesses. Following graduation with my MPH I was on the job search and fell into APDA and was very pleased with their organization and values. We are a small but mighty organization and pride ourselves on being communal, providing resources and programs for the PD community.
Can you tell me more about the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)?
The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is a nationwide grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to help the approximately one million with PD in the United States live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder. Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $252 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease.
Mission: Every day, we provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion is to simply help others, I have been a caregiver before and have watched a loved one’s health decline. After learning more about this disease, it has inspired me to help others in the community as well. Many times, people are unaware of the resources available in the community. That is why APDA is here, to bridge the gap.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA)?
- At APDA, our primary goal is to provide resources and education. This can include providing webinars, in-person education events, connecting PWP and their care partner with support groups, exercise, neurologist etc. At APDA, we pride ourselves on being communal. WE are truly here to be a resource for the PD Community.
- We offer free Literature on more than 40 topics related to PD such as nutrition, medications, and more, available in English or Spanish. Publications available to order free to the public.
- Referrals: Answering questions and offering a sympathetic ear. Referrals to healthcare providers, support groups, exercise classes, and other community resources. We build community through resource distribution and connection.
- We have several nationwide programs available.
- Support Groups: Develop support groups, assist support group facilitators and train support group facilitators.
- Financial Support Program: Approved applicants will be awarded a scholarship to cover expenses such as: transportation, assistance at home, exercise classes, medications, adaptive equipment, and home or respite care.
iii. Connecting Through Art: This program encourages PD participants and their caregivers to socialize as they participate and share in a painting art activity.
- Webinars: Online education presentation series featuring experts in the field for patients, family members, and caregivers – highlight state & national resources
What type of training and how long are the programs?
- Training sessions normally last about 1-1.5hrs
- Different chapters host different training programs/webinars; however, they are available for anyone and nationwide.
- APDA offers in-person and virtual training for support group leaders.
- First responders online training: The web program is a 1–2-hour course with instructional videos intended to provide overall education on Parkinson’s disease and information on protocols for the first responder when interacting with a person who shows the signs of Parkinson’s.
- Parkinson’s Training for Fitness, Health and Wellness Professionals: This online training program has been developed to assist fitness and health and wellness professionals so they may safely and effectively work with people with PD to develop exercise regimens that will support treatment of their symptoms and substantially improve their quality of life.
- In Service Presentations: we provide Parkinson’s education to community & providers to spread awareness and train the community of the services we provide.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
One of my goals is to do programming for communities who are underserved, living in rural areas and lower socioeconomic status.
What events do you participate in?
- Educational symposiums
- Health Fairs
- Optimism Walk: Annual walk event showcasing resources with a health fair, celebrate community and come together to support those who have PD, promote PD education, and bring awareness to PD. Funding received goes to continues chapter services supporting clients.
- Connecting Through Art: This program encourages PD participants and their caregivers to socialize as they participate and share in a painting art activity.
- Webinars: Online education presentation series featuring experts in the field for patients, family members, and caregivers.
How does the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) also assist the caregivers?
We know caregivers are included in one’s support team and have ongoing programs to support them. Every Chapter is different and may have programs for care partners. Some chapters may arrange support groups and webinars for care partners. Care Partners are always welcome to attend any of our programs and want them to be just as involved. We also assist creating support groups geared towards caregivers.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
https://www.apdaparkinson.org or call 1-800-223-2732
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
Every day, we provide the support, education, and research that will help everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest. APDA is here for YOU!