The Parkinson’s Foundation announces the recipients of more than $2 million in community grants for Parkinson’s disease (PD) programs across the U.S. The Foundation invests in community programs that make an impact in local communities and help people live better with PD by providing support for unmet health, wellness and educational needs.

“Investing in community-based organizations allows the Foundation to direct resources to meaningful PD programs and services locally,” said Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr. “The community grants program has grown considerably over the last few years, allowing the Foundation to reach even more people with PD and to have a lasting impact on their lives.”

Of the $2 million awarded, community grants range from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $25,000 per recipient. The 2022 grant cycle focuses on programs that educate and deliver exercise specifically designed for people with PD, reach those who are newly diagnosed, and address the intersection of mental health and PD. The programs funded by the Foundation will benefit people with PD in 42 states in the U.S.

“The support we’ve received from the Parkinson’s Foundation for our What’s Up, Doc? Program has enabled us to have high touch opportunities within the first year following diagnosis,” said Gil Kim of the Metro-Jackson Parkinson’s Group in Jackson, MS. “Early intervention, education and inclusion in our community will enable those who are newly diagnosed to live a better life with the disease.”

Since 2011, the Foundation has invested more than $9.4 million in 716 community-based programs.

[Source(s): Parkinson’s Foundation, PR Newswire]