Information & Referral Center
AMERICAN PARKINSON DISEASE ASSOCIATION
INFORMATION & REFERRAL CENTER AT KENT HOSPITAL
401-736-1046
The American Parkinson Disease Association's goal of promoting a better quality of life for the Parkinson's community is actualized through an expanding network of Information and Referral Centers. The unique contribution of these Centers is to respond to the particular needs of persons affected by Parkinson's disease and their caregivers through education, referral, support and public awareness programs. The Information and Referral Center serves as a regional "hub" which processes requests received by mail, phone or on-site visit.
Our Rhode Island Information & Referral Center is located at Kent Hospital and is staffed by the center coordinator, Mary Ellen Thibodeau, RN and our center volunteer, Julia Balsamo. Together we answer the call for information to the newly and not so newly diagnosed , their families and friends.
In addition to a large selection of free materials provided by the National APDA we maintaining a modest lending library. All free materials are sent by mail for you to keep. Lending material are sent by mail at no charge to you, on the honor system, that when you are done with the item you will mail it back to our center. Please click on the resources page to see a sample of available materials.
We can also direct you to support groups in your area. All our support groups are run by volunteers who have Parkinson's disease or are the care partner of someone with PD. Click on our support group page to find one near you. We also have specialized support groups for the very young onset , young onset and young at heart and for those who have had or are considering Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery. A support group is a great opportunity to learn from people who are living with Parkinson's Disease.
The Information & Referral Center is also your resource for up coming events and activities. We try to balance numerous educational lectures with fun social activities.
Click on our Event page to set what is happening in the upcoming months. Call the I & R Center for more information about these events. We are always open to new ideas, whether it be a recommendation for an addition to our library or to planning an event or fundraiser.
You are always invited to stop by our office located on the Kent Hospital property in building 2C on Health Lane. We have reserved handicapped parking directly across from the office. It is always advisable to call first for an appointment as the office is staffed on a part time basis. Appointments are always welcome.
Remember you are not alone. Rhode Island has over 1800 registered families living with Parkinson's Disease. We are truly a family, please feel free to join us.
Register on line, by phone or in person. The no cost registration insures you will receive current information and invitations to upcoming events.
INFORMATION & REFERRAL CENTER AT KENT HOSPITAL
455 TOLL GATE RD BUILDING 2C
WARWICK, RI 02886
401-736-1046