The Epilepsy Foundation Middle and West Tennessee (EFMWT) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to the prevention and control of Epilepsy and its consequences and to helping persons with epilepsy, their families and other concerned individuals overcome the problems associated with the disorder.

EFMWT serves 61 counties of middle and west Tennessee with offices located in Bedford, Putnam, and Madison and Davidson counties and provides an array of free programs and services that includes:

Advocacy: the Foundation advocates on behalf of individuals who faced discrimination in employment, education or other public services.  Additionally the Foundation advocates for legislation that provides safeguards in the treatment of children and adults with epilepsy.

Referral and information: In addition to office resources, the Foundation assists clients in obtaining needed services such as free or reduced cost prescription medication, medical services, utility payments, or low cost housing.

Epilepsy and Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention programs: include “Helmets for Heads” interactive program for primary and elementary school age children that stresses the importance of “protecting the brain”. The Foundation donates bicycle helmets to children who are identified as being at high risk for brain injury.

Fall prevention program:   provides information about strategies that can help prevent falls which are a leading cause of brain injury in children and older adults.  

Community Education Program:  provides basis information about epilepsy and the brain, teaches recognition and appropriate response to seizures, and attempts to dispel myths and misunderstandings about epilepsy. Presentations are adapted for particular audiences and include schools, military personnel, law enforcement personnel, health providers, and other first responders. EFMWT made 458 presentations for more than 9,300 participants last year.

Therapeutic Recreation program:  meets weekly at the Community Center in Shelbyville and serves adults with epilepsy and/or traumatic brain injury.

Support Groups:   are held monthly throughout the 61 counties served by EFMWT.  Additionally, a monthly support group for veterans and their spouses is held on the base at Fort Campbell.

November is  Epilepsy Awareness Month:

• Governor Bill Haslam signed a proclamation recognizing November as Epilepsy Awareness Month in Tennessee
• The Parthenon in Metro Nashville was turned purple for two nights
• Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell recognized November as Epilepsy Awareness Month by presenting a benefit concert at the Cannery in Nashville