The Western Neuropathy Association (WNA) began in November of 1998 with one neuropathy support group in Auburn, CA. Other groups began forming in surrounding communities, because of the publicity and outreach of the initial group. In 2001, these groups incorporated as The Northern California Chapter of The Neuropathy Association (NCCNA) as it affiliated with The Neuropathy Association (TNA). Tax exempt status came in September 2002. In February 2011, the name was changed to The Pacific Chapter of The Neuropathy Association with the confirmation of the Board of both NCCNA and TNA. This encompasses California, Nevada, and Oregon. The goal from the beginning was to establish a neuropathy support group in population centers so that they are within driving distance of everyone in Northern California. This was essentially accomplished, but there were few groups in Southern California, only one in Nevada, and only one in Oregon. This is changing, as WNA reaches out to the over two million people with neuropathy. So in the 15 years since it began, 61 groups have met for a period of time. In early 2015, the Board voted to change our name to the Western Neuropathy Association. We are no longer associated with 'The Neuropathy Association' as they have disbanded, so we cannot be a 'chapter'. We look forward to bigger and better programs, support groups and outreach efforts.
Goals:
1. To establish as many support groups as possible in California, Nevada, and Oregon, until there is one within driving distance of everyone in these states.
2. To find a method to more readily discover and develop people in communities who would enjoy being part of a Leadership Team.
3. To develop the funding necessary to fund people to go into an area to start groups and to cover the costs of the printed information given to everyone coming to a meeting.
4. To develop a wider list of medical personnel who are familiar with neuropathy and successful in treating it, and use this list as a referral source to patients with neuropathy.
5. To continue to develop training and leadership help for group Leadership Teams.
6. To successfully increase membership to over 1,000 (we have approximately 700 members, but many non-member attendees).
The Western Neuropathy Association provides support, information, and referrals to people with neuropathy and to individuals who know someone with neuropathy; informs and connects them with the health care community; and supports research. WNA provides hope through caring, support, research, education, and empowerment.
We are always looking for Board members that can help us with connections to the medical community. We value our association with physicians, podiatrists, pharmacists, home health providers and other ancillary support. We feel that education is the weapon of choice for this disease that currently has no cure.
WNA is an outreach organization that values the relationship with each and every Support Group. Often people are readily available to attend, but are hesitant to be the leader. Leading a support group is fully supported by WNA with a printed handbook and leader phone assistance.
We are always looking for sponsorship for our annual conference which provides cutting-edge physician speakers for our WNA members.
During our annual meeting, we offer a silent auction for fund-raising. All items can be tax-deductible.
Our printing needs are always an expense that tops the list. Any help with printing T-Shirts is also welcome.
Organization name
Western Neuropathy Association
other names
WNA
Tax id (EIN)
68-0476041
Mission Category
Health Care
Organization Need
Board Members, Volunteers, Funding: Unrestricted, Funding: Other, In-Kind Donations
Address
950 Glenn Dr. Suite 150