United Spinal expands relief efforts through grant

WASHINGTON – The United Spinal Association has been awarded a grant from the Craig H. Neilsen Foundation to support the immediate relief and recovery efforts for people with spinal cord injuries and disorders following natural and human-caused disasters, including hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. With support provided by foundation, United Spinal is offering disaster relief grants to its 53,000 members across the country who have been impacted by disasters through the loss or damage of mobility equipment and lack of access to medical supplies. “United Spinal is grateful for the Neilsen Foundation’s support during these challenging times that have exposed the vulnerability of the SCI/D community to natural and human-caused disasters,” said Vincenzo Piscopo, president and CEO of United Spinal Association. “This partnership is invaluable to ensuring that we can continue to lessen the effects and risks associated with disasters on our members and the entire disability community.” The grant will also be used to expand United Spinal’s ‘Ready to Roll’ disaster preparedness initiative, which focuses on equipping wheelchair users and others living with SCI/D with information on preparing in advance for disasters by creating evacuation plans, keeping inventory of mobility equipment, creating “wheelchair go bags” filled with essential supplies, and locating local resources and accessible shelters.