It is our pleasure to welcome you to this year's professional teleconference, Multiple Sclerosis in 2000: A Model of Psychosocial Support (PDF File). Along with thousands of other nurses, social workers and psychologists across the United States and Canada, you are participating in the fourth year of this professional education program. Designed initially to meet the needs of nurses working in MS, the program expanded in 1999 to include rehabilitation professionals, and this year to address the needs of mental health professionals.

On behalf of the National MS Society and the Consortium of MS Centers, we wish to express our appreciation to the program faculty who have given so generously of their time and expertise, and to the people with MS who have shared their experiences with us. Their valuable contributions have made this program possible. In addition, we would like to thank the staff and volunteers of the local chapters of the National MS Society. It is through their efforts that a program like this can reach its audience.

Now, join us in learning about the role of interdisciplinary psychosocial support in people's efforts to live and cope with multiple sclerosis, from some of the most respected experts in the field. Their knowledge and clinical experience will enhance your cooperative efforts to provide care and support for people with MS.