News MSAA Opens ‘COVID-19 and MS Pathfinder’ Online Informative Platform MSAA Opens ‘COVID-19 and MS Pathfinder’ Online Informative Platform by David Melamed, PhD | July 16, 2020 Share this article: Share article via email Copy article link The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) teamed withĀ Wondros, a creative production company, to launchĀ COVID-19 and MS Pathfinder, an onlineĀ platform offering theĀ multiple sclerosis (MS) community accurate and regularly updated information to help in safely navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics covered range from managing MS symptoms at home and steps to take if the patient or a loved one has COVID-19 symptoms, to preparations for emergency situations and ways to contact healthcare professionals. “We are pleased to partner with Wondros on this new and innovative tool to assist members of the MS community access valuable information and resources pertaining to COVID-19,” Gina Ross Murdoch, president and CEO of MSAA, said in a press release. “During these uncertain times, it’s vital for individuals with chronic illnesses to be able to find credible, up-to-date information on this ongoing health crisis,” Murdoch added. The Pathfinder tool aims at providing pertinent information and resources about this coronavirus to MS patients, caregivers, and family members through a user-friendly interface and concise explanations. “In the wake of COVID-19, it was our vision to create an intuitive, online educational platform that streamlines, organizes, and conveys essential information to specific communities,” said Jesse Dylan, founder and CEO of Wondros, whose clients span nonprofits to government agencies, institutes to businesses. “Our work with the wonderful people at MSAA only deepens our shared commitment to be of service to others, especially during times of great challenge,” Dylan added. The tool itself offers five clickable options: “COVID-19 Facts,” “How Do I Get What I Need,” “How Do I Stay Healthy,” “How Do I Stay Safe,” and “What if I Need to Stay at Home?” Clicking on an option opens a series of sub-categories that guide the user toward the information they are seeking. Choosing any of the sub-categories brings up a window displaying relevant information. The Pathfinder tool can be found on the MSAA website. Other MSAA programs and services that support the MS community include the mobile phone application,Ā My MS Manager, to help track disease activity and manage clinical information; educational programs; the online support forum, My MSAA Community; a MS-focused magazine,Ā The Motivator; aĀ helpline and online chat with MSAA trained specialists; andĀ podcast episodes covering a range of topics. Print This Page About the Author David Melamed, PhD David earned a PhD in Biological Sciences from Columbia University in New York, NY, where he studied how Drosophila ovarian adult stem cells respond to cell signaling pathway manipulations. This work helped to redefine the organizational principles underlying adult stem cell growth models. He is currently a Science Writer, as part of the BioNews Services writing team. Tags COVID-19, education, MSAA, Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
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