Mailing Address
Ohio Parkinson Foundation
Northeast Region
P.O. Box 271
Tallmadge, Ohio 44278
1-800-630-3193

The History of the Ohio Parkinson Foundation (OPF)
and the Northeast Region

In 1987 the OPF was founded by Betty Lindstrom. Betty and persons from around the state who had similar ideas, met together to develop the state organization. The state was divided into four regions according to telephone area codes. In April 1996 financial assistance was given to each region to help them build their regional boards. And in September 1996 the Ohio Parkinson Foundation met with representation from the four regions.

The Northeast Region developed through the work of Cal Fissell from the Cleveland area and Joyce Hapner of Fairborn. With the assistance of Rimas Jasinevicus of the Lake County Council on Aging, who provided the leadership needed to expand the board to the 16 counties in the area, the Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region began.

On September 18, 1997 Jessie Brown and Charles Bland were elected as the co-presidents. An 800 number, a website and a newsletter was set up with Rimas’s help. Tallmadge was selected as the most central location in the 16 county area to provide for better participation by the northeast region support groups involved.

On June 24, 1999 the northeast region held its first symposium in Eastlake with Dr. Erwin B. Montgomery, Jr., a Cleveland neurologist, as the first guest speaker. A symposium has been held in April every year since that time (see our events page).

To help us continue to provide information and support to those in our region who are affected by PD, the Ohio Parkinson Foundation NE region board has representation from many of the support groups (see Support Groups). Their representation assists us in efficient planning of symposiums and the decision making needed to provide on-going information for the PD patients and caregivers we serve.

Although leadership may have changed over time, the dedication and support of many people throughout the northeast region has continued. That commitment to making a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson Disease has made it possible for us to bring you this website. We are very thankful to all those involved with this effort

Ohio Parkinson Foundation Northeast Region   •   P.O.Box 271, Tallmadge, Ohio-44278   •   1-800-630-3193