Critical need for Paralysis health Information exists among Hispanics.

More than 37 percent of Hispanics have a personal connection to paralysis, yet more than half are unaware of the resources available in their community, according to a study conducted by the Paralysis Resource Center (PRC), a service of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation (CDRF). To break down these information barriers, the PRC today launched the first Spanish-language online paralysis resource, http://www.paralisis.org>.

“Finding useful information about paralysis, especially in Spanish, can be frustrating for paralyzed individuals and their families — it’s often unavailable or inaccurate,” said Joseph Canose, vice president of quality of life at CDRF and director of the PRC. “The PRC’s Spanish-language site will provide a new resource for Hispanics living with paralysis, sharing the good news that their lives do not have to be limited.”

Paralisis.org is designed to help Hispanics living with paralysis and their families to improve their health and quality of life, connecting Spanish-speaking individuals with services in their community and making information about paralysis available around the clock. The site will also create the unique opportunity for Hispanics living with paralysis to build relationships with others sharing similar experiences. Through an online paralysis community, users can make friends and create national and international networks of support. The site also contains a searchable lending library where users can find and check out books and videos in their native language.

“The PRC supported our family at a time when we needed it most. The information they shared allowed us to make the right decisions and overcome the odds,” said Joseph Briseno, whose son Jay lives with paralysis after being critically injured in the Iraq war. “The word impossible is no longer in our vocabulary and our hope is that this Spanish site can make the same true for other families.”

The Web site complements an existing toll-free number that connects Spanish-speaking paralysis resource information specialists to those living with paralysis and their families. These specialists are available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Paralysis Resource Center (PRC) promotes the health and well-being of people living with a spinal cord injury, mobility impairment and paralysis by providing comprehensive information, resources and referral services. For more information please visit our website at http://www.paralysis.org or http://www.paralisis.org, or call 800-539-7309.