Partners in Parkinson’s launches today, inviting Parkinson’s patients, caregivers and families to take hold of two of the greatest tools for managing Parkinson’s disease: knowledge and support.

The program, a partnership of The Michael J. Fox Foundation and AbbVie, combines web-based and “in real life” opportunities to connect with allies (including movement disorder specialists, physical and occupational therapists, support groups and more) and information to develop a care plan tailored to their experience of Parkinson’s.

According to a recent survey conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of MJFF and AbbVie, only 28 percent of Parkinson’s patients are currently being treated by a movement disorder specialist (a neurologist with additional training in Parkinson’s) and fewer than half have ever seen this kind of doctor. On its educational website, Partners in Parkinson’s features the first online tool to find a movement disorder specialist nearby. The tool was created in collaboration with the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

The website also features the opportunity to connect with a Parkinson’s Disease Advocate — social workers, counselors and nurses who are specially trained to provide patients with the latest education, resources and support in Parkinson’s disease anywhere in the United States.

In addition to the website, Partners in Parkinson’s will tour the United States with free, full-day events in 11 cities in 2014 (and 15 planned for 2015). Events feature panel discussions, breakout sessions (including a session at every event this year focused on a holistic approach to living well with Parkinson’s, led by National Presenting Partner The Davis Phinney Foundation),  and a resource fair staffed by local Parkinson’s medical, exercise and support groups, as well as National Participating Partner, the Parkinson’s Action Network.

2014 Partners in Parkinson’s events:

Visit the Partners in Parkinson’s website to learn more or to sign up for an event near you.

For a complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and topline results, visit www.partnersinparkinsons.org.