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Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month: Expanding Understanding and Access to Care Close to Home

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, March 3, 2026

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a neurological condition that affects more than 700,000 people across the United States. For individuals living with multiple sclerosis, or MS, early diagnosis, specialized care, and strong support systems can make a meaningful difference in managing the disease and maintaining quality of life.

For rural communities like those throughout Northeast Oregon, access to specialty neurological care close to home can be life-changing. In many rural areas, specialty services have not always been readily available. Expanded services and collaborative care teams are helping patients receive evaluations and ongoing treatment without traveling long distances.

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. MS develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective layer surrounding nerve fibers, known as myelin. Damage to myelin can interrupt communication between the brain and the body, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms.

MS presents differently in each person. Some individuals experience episodes of symptoms that improve over time, while others may experience a gradual progression of neurological challenges. Common symptoms can include fatigue, numbness, muscle weakness, vision changes, balance concerns, and difficulty with coordination.

Because symptoms can vary widely and sometimes resemble other conditions, diagnosing MS often requires advanced imaging, careful symptom review, and ongoing evaluation by neurological specialists.

The Value of Early Evaluation and Treatment

Research continues to show that early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve long-term outcomes for individuals living with MS. Advances in medication and treatment approaches over the past two decades have allowed many patients to better manage symptoms, reduce relapses, and slow disease progression.

“Earlier diagnosis gives patients more opportunities to manage symptoms and slow disease progression,” said Melyssa Gleed, NP, neurology specialist at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics. “Our goal is to partner with patients long term and help them maintain the highest quality of life possible.”

Healthcare providers encourage individuals to seek evaluation if they experience persistent neurological symptoms, particularly unexplained changes in vision, sensation, or mobility.

Managing MS Through a Team Approach

Living with MS often involves more than medical treatment alone. Many patients benefit from coordinated care that includes rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. These services help individuals maintain strength, mobility, independence, and daily function.

At Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics, rehabilitation specialists often work alongside neurology providers to support patients throughout their care journey.  The focus of all rehabilitation is to improve and maintain quality of life throughout the disease process.

“Rehabilitation professionals such as Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists can help with all stages of Multiple Sclerosis,” said Kate Bostwick, Physical Therapist at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics. “As Physical Therapists, we can teach patients how to manage their symptoms, including avoiding over-exertion and over-heating, improving and maintaining mobility, prescribe assistive devices, create an exercise program tailored to MS symptoms, assist in the recovery from flare-ups, and work towards patient-specific goals.”

Lifestyle factors also play an important role. Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, stress management, and strong social support can all help improve overall well-being for individuals managing chronic neurological conditions.

Strengthening Access to Neurological Care in Rural Communities

For residents of Northeast Oregon and surrounding communities, access to neurological care close to home represents a significant advancement in local healthcare services. Rural patients have historically faced travel barriers when seeking specialty neurological evaluation and treatment, which can delay diagnosis and ongoing care.

Expanding local access to neurological services helps ensure patients can receive comprehensive care in a familiar environment while maintaining continuity with their broader healthcare team.

Recognizing MS Awareness Month

Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month encourages conversations that help reduce stigma, improve understanding, and connect individuals with resources that support early diagnosis and ongoing care.

Individuals experiencing new or unexplained neurological symptoms are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider to determine whether further neurological evaluation may be appropriate.

Expanding specialty services locally continues to strengthen access to advanced care for individuals and families throughout the region.

Meet the Neurology Care Team Serving Our Region

Access to neurological care in rural communities is not always common. The availability of neurology services locally allows patients to receive evaluations, diagnoses, and ongoing management closer to family, support systems, and primary care providers.

Neurology services at Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics are provided by:

      • Rodrigo Lim, MD
      • Andrew Oh, MD
      • Christine Quinto, MD
      • Melyssa Gleed, NP

Together, the team provides evaluation and treatment for a wide range of neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, movement disorders, headaches, and nerve-related conditions. Their collaborative approach helps ensure patients receive individualized care plans tailored to their needs.

MS by the Numbers

• More than 700,000 people in the United States live with MS
• MS is most often diagnosed between ages 20 and 50
• Women are diagnosed with MS more frequently than men
• Treatment advances continue to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life

Learn More About Neurology Services

To learn more about local neurological services or to request a referral, visit grh.org/our-services/neurology/ or speak with your primary care provider.