This week, eleven Executive Directors of various independent and regional organizations across the nation are coming together in Houston, TX to make an impact toward Parkinson's Disease. Executive Director, Bibby Bailey, will be representing the Parkinson Association of Alabama by special invitation at this second annual conference held June 19-22. The goal of this event is collaboration and learning from each other through innovative practices to amplify regional programs for Parkinson's.
"I am eager to collaborate and listen to what so many other outstanding Parkinson Organizations are doing this week," said Bailey. "I'm sure it will be a wonderful week of building relationships, sharing resources and perspectives, as well as understanding how the PAA can adopt new ideas and programs to positively impact those with Parkinson's and their caregivers soon. I look forward to meeting with my peers around the country who are also making an impact to their local Parkinson's communities."
"We are excited for Bibby to attend," said PAA President, Brian Corbett. "Knowledge learned at this meeting will greatly benefit the Parkinson Association of Alabama in the future and at
relatively zero cost to our association. We look forward to hearing from other like associations about successful programs we could also potentially implement throughout our state."
The Alliance of Independent Regional Parkinson Organizations (AIRPO) is a consortium formed with the shared goals of finding a cure for Parkinson's and supporting those who live with the disease. AIRPO encourages collaboration, leverages organizational strengths, and maximizes efficiency within its member organizations. Joining the Parkinson Association of Alabama as member associations are:
Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society
Houston Area Parkinson Society
Michigan Parkinson Foundation
Northwest Parkinson's Foundation
Neuro Challenge Foundation for Parkinson's
Parkinson Association of the Carolinas
Parkinson Association of Northern California
Association of the Rockies
Parkinson's Association of San Diego
Parkinson Foundation of Oklahoma
Parkinson Foundation of Western Pennsylvania
Southwest Parkinson Society
The creation of AIRPO formalized a collaboration that began in 2009 between the Parkinson Foundation and several independent regional nonprofit organizations, who have now become AIRPO's founding members. This partnership has allowed AIRPO to grow significantly over the years and in 2021, after many years of support from the Parkinson's Foundation, now functions as a stand-alone organization.
The Parkinson Association of Alabama is a proud member of AIRPRO, accessing the many benefits of shared resources and perspectives from prominent and innovative Parkinson's organizations from across the country. By expanding communication on a national scale, the organization is devoted to adopting new ideas and treatments generated through AIRPO and will continue to provide the latest services and programs to help people affected by the disease. "AIRPO provides the opportunity to collaborate with our peers around the country who are also providing valuable services to their local Parkinson's communities," says Corbett.
To be accepted to AIRPO, members must be able to demonstrate their credentials as independent nonprofit organizations by offering programs and direct services to their local community that aim to improve quality of life and daily living to those living with Parkinson's or caring for a loved one with Parkinson's.
The Parkinson's Association of Alabama (PAA) was founded in 1978 and has been dedicated to one mission: improving the quality of life for patients, caregivers and families affected by Parkinson's disease in the state of Alabama. To learn more about PAA, visit www.parkinsonalabama.com.