Epilepsy Program Success Stories

Epilepsy is a public health problem that is common, challenging, and complex for individuals to manage. The CDC Epilepsy Program supports national and local epilepsy organizations and universities to raise awareness, reduce stigma, train professionals, and connect people with epilepsy to programs that teach self-management skills. These Success Stories illustrate how partners have used CDC funds to improve care and quality of life for people with epilepsy.

Family in a park holding a basketball
Increasing Delivery and Coordination of Epilepsy Care and Self-Management Supports: The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas

The Epilepsy Foundation Central & South Texas has increased access to multiple self-management programs for people with epilepsy living in and around San Antonio, Texas. pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]

Man smiling
TIME: Targeted Self-Management for Epilepsy and Mental Illness

Case Western Reserve University developed and implemented this psychosocial treatment program that blends education, goal setting, and behavioral modeling in a group format. The program empowers people with epilepsy to take ownership of their care to reduce their depressive symptoms. pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]

Man smiling
HOBSCOTCH: Home-Based Self-Management and Cognitive Training Changes Lives

Dartmouth University developed and implemented a memory training program that offers practical strategies and a focus on problem solving for people with epilepsy and cognitive difficulties. pdf icon[PDF – 3 MB]

Man Placing Woman In Recovery Position After Accident
Stay, Safe, Side: The Epilepsy Foundation Expands its Seizure First Aid Training

The Epilepsy Foundation has developed a standardized, web-based seizure recognition and first aid certification program. pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]

Man using walking canes for walking downtown injured
PACES: Program of Active Consumer Engagement in Self-Management

The University of Washington has developed a program that improves well-being and self-management skills among adults with epilepsy through education, training, goal setting, and support. pdf icon[PDF – 8 MB]

Male doctor having video conference on laptop with his colleagues at home.
Project ECHO Brings Health Care Providers Together to Improve Epilepsy Care in Ohio

Primary care providers increase their knowledge about epilepsy through this tele-mentoring program that connects them with specialists. pdf icon[PDF – 2 MB]

Young African American woman is relaxing on the rooftop
Project UPLIFT: Using Practice and Learning to Increase Favorable Thoughts 

Three universities demonstrate how this telehealth program improves mental health for diverse groups of people with epilepsy.

Couple holding hands and hiking.
South Carolina Blazes a Trail for Epilepsy Surveillance pdf icon[PDF – 1 MB]

This Success Story describes a ground-breaking CDC-funded project in South Carolina that serves as a model for epilepsy surveillance activities.