About Us
The HDSA Rocky Mountain Chapter was founded in 1986 to serve HD families within the state of Colorado, Utah, Montana, New Mexico, Western Nebraska and Wyoming. The Chapter has grown from a small group of Denver families in 1967 to an organization directed by a volunteer Board of Directors and a National Regional Development Coordinator.
The HDSA Rocky Mountain Chapter is a local health agency that provides care and support for people with HD and their families. The Chapter provides information, resources and assistance in coping with HD.
A social worker with specialized training provided by HDSA is available for information and support. The HDSA Rocky Mountain Chapter also maintains a HELPLINE which responds to hundreds of inquires each year. This enables families to receive facts about HD and information regarding local resources.
The HDSA Rocky Mountain Chapter provides information on:
- Movement disorder and neurological resources
- Knowledgeable professionals
- Genetic test centers
- Adult and teen support groups
- Long-term care facilities
Until a cure is found, The HDSA Rocky Mountain Chapter will assist families in providing the best of services available.
HDSA Rocky Mountain Chapter HELPLINE
(303) 321-5503
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) was founded in 1967 after legendary Woody Guthrie’s widow, Marjorie, formed the Committee to Combat Huntington’s Disease in response to Woody losing his battle with HD. HDSA is the only national voluntary health agency dedicated to conquering Huntington’s Disease. HDSA provides aid to families in coping with the disease and is working to find a cure for HD.
HDSA consists of a national Board of Trustees, local chapters and a national office that helps promote research, help in patient care, improving education and provide family support. Nationally, HDSA is committed to fiscal responsibility and as such of $1.00 raised; almost $.87 goes directly to HDSA programs (2006-2007 audit).
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America meets all nine standards of the National Charities Information Bureau and is a member of the National Health Council, the National Voluntary Health Agencies, the Alliance for Genetic Support Groups, the National Organization for Rare Disorders and the International Huntington Association.
HDSA is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization.
About the Huntington’s Disease Society of America
The Huntington’s Disease Society of America is the largest 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to improving the lives of everyone affected by Huntington’s Disease. Founded in 1968 by Marjorie Guthrie, wife of folk legend Woody Guthrie who lost his battle with HD, the Society works tirelessly to provide the family services, education, advocacy and research to provide help for today, hope for tomorrow to the more than 30,000 people diagnosed with HD in the United States. Notably, HDSA funds the HDSA Coalition for the Cure, a collaboration of 16 international researchers, as part of the HD Drug Research Pipeline, which develops potential therapies to treat and eventually cure HD; and HDSA also supports 21 Centers of Excellence at major medical facilities throughout the U.S., where people with HD and their families receive comprehensive medical, psychological and social services, in addition to physical and occupational therapy and genetic testing and counseling. The Society is comprised of 38 local chapters and affiliates across the country with its headquarters in New York City. Additionally, HDSA hosts more than 140 support groups for people with HD, their families, caregivers and people at-risk, and is the premiere resource on Huntington’s Disease for medical professionals and the general public. To learn more about Huntington’s Disease and to get involved in HDSA, please visit www.hdsa.org or call 1-800-345-HDSA.
Mission
The mission of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America is to:
- Promote and support research to find a cure for HD;
- Help people and families affected by the disease; and
- Educate the public and health care professionals about HD.
Goals
Maintain a volunteer driven and chapter-based organization.
Expand chapter to include statewide support groups and other Rocky Mountain States.
Facilitate and advocate program services for families and people with HD.
Activities
Monthly meetings to provide information and support to families and people afflicted with HD.
Access to a social worker to handle cases which require more time and expertise.
Fundraising events and strategies to support activities – the chapter is entirely non-profit and dependent on contributions
Maintain the HELPLINE (303) 321-5503 to help deal with HD issues.