ALBANY — The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York has announced its expansion of programs and services into the Adirondack region.

Thanks to a dedicated fund at Adirondack Foundation established by a generous donor, EFNENY will provide programs and services to those affected by epilepsy, as well as their caregivers and the North Country community.

Statistically, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy over the course of their lifetime, according to EFNENY. Of that number, roughly one-third are unable to control their seizures with any of the treatment methods currently available.

“EFNENY is grateful to Adirondack Foundation for this opportunity to extend our services, including information and referral, seizure recognition and first aid training, school education, support groups and art therapy to individuals and families affected by epilepsy who are living in the North Country,” Jeannine Garab, the Epilepsy Foundation’s executive director, said in a press release. “These services provide essential support for individuals and families as they navigate an often long and challenging journey through the initial diagnosis, obtaining access to the best treatment, and living with seizures.”

“The newly established Epilepsy Support Fund — one of more than 260 charitable funds at Adirondack Foundation — supports critical initiatives to improve awareness of epilepsy and increase the understanding of the nature and impact of seizures on families who are affected,” added Cali Brooks, president and CEO of Adirondack Foundation, based in Lake Placid.

The Epilepsy Foundation has conducted market research and will begin community outreach, with the goal of identifying the needs of people with epilepsy in the North Country. For more information, call Garab at 518-456-7501.

The Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that offers an array of services to people with epilepsy, their families and the community at large in 22 counties in northeastern New York, including the Capital Region, the North Country and the Upper Hudson Valley.