Parkinson’s Foundation? Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks? What’s the Difference?
There are numerous Parkinson’s based organizations in the U.S. Michael J. Fox Foundation, American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA), Davis Phinney Foundation, and PMD Alliance are just to name a few. Most of these foundations have distinguishable names that are easier for people to identify.
However, when the names Parkinson’s Foundation and Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks, pop up, many people can’t tell the difference and believe they are the same organization. It’s very easy to mistake one organization for another, especially when the word “Parkinson’s” is in each name. But did you know that the Parkinson’s Foundation and Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks (PGO), are two entirely separate organizations?
Parkinson’s Foundation
In 2016, the National Parkinson Foundation merged with the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation to form the Parkinson’s Foundation. The Parkinson’s Foundation is a larger national non-profit organization, based out of New York and Miami, that includes 17 Chapters in the U.S. Missouri is part of the Heartland Chapter which also encompasses Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas. The Parkinson’s Foundation also provides worldwide assistance through their Global Care Network and 54 Centers of Excellence, medical center with a specialized team of healthcare professionals dedicated to up-to-date Parkinson’s care.
Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks
Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks (PGO) is a local non-profit organization based out of Springfield, Missouri. While the geographical boundaries of the “Ozarks” can be hard to define, PGO provides most of its programs and services in southwest Missouri. Wellness classes, support groups, and educational opportunities are available in many locations such as Springfield, Joplin, Branson West, Nixa, Ozark, Marshfield, and many more.
Working Together
PGO proudly partners with the Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter by co-hosting various learning opportunities throughout the year, implementing classes funded through the Parkinson’s Foundation Community Grant, and by sharing Parkinson’s Foundation educational materials, such as booklets and fact sheets.
The Parkinson’s Foundation and PGO gladly refer to one another for resources. For instance, the Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter is based out of our sister neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri and may offer references to more wide-scale resources for Parkinson’s disease while the PGO is able to provide information on more localized and rural opportunities.
So, which one should I support?
Both! When choosing which organization to donate towards, both the Parkinson’s Foundation and PGO have similar overlapping goals of supporting research and improving quality of life for those affected by the disease. While the Parkinson’s Foundation is able to expand your impact to a larger level across the state or nation, with PGO, your dollars stay here in the Ozarks. They help provide programs, classes, and support at no-charge to families in southwest Missouri. Whichever organization you choose, it should be near and dear to your heart.
For more info about the Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter: 913-416-4116
For more info about Parkinson’s Group of the Ozarks: 417-814-6067