Family Support & Education at Northwest PANDAS/PANS Network (NWPPN)
Eligibility
Serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska
Required documents
Contact for details
Hours
Contact for details
(971) 645-0842
Voice
Languages
English
Application process
Contact for details
Fees
No fees
Service area
WA
Other Information
Location Options
- Virtual
Supports families across the Northwest who suspect or have a diagnosis of PANDAS/PANS. Provides support groups, caregiver assistance, and a grant program. Advances regional legislation and public policy to address health inequities and improve access to care. Educates Northwest communities through conference presentations, guest lectures in undergraduate and graduate medical programs, and free educational sessions for any local group. Maintains a list of PANDAS/PANS‑treating providers in each state served—including MDs, NDs, ENTs, psychiatrists, psychologists, and others. Families can request this clinician list by completing a short intake form on the organization’s website under “Contact Us.”
Providing organization
Northwest PANDAS/PANS Network (NWPPN)
Northwest PANDAS/PANS Network is a regional nonprofit established in 2019 serving Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska. Our mission is to raise awareness about post- infectious neuroinflammatory disorders known as PANS & PANDAS in our local communities. We provide free education, speak at conferences, support these children and their families, maintain a list of treating providers in the region, offer a grant program for those in financial need, and work to advance statewide public policy.
What is PANS/PANDAS? PANS & PANDAS are post-infectious neuroinflammatory disorders that occur due to a misdirected immune response in which autoantibodies attack the basal ganglia and striatum resulting in inflammation and a subsequent abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. While PANDAS is specific to a group A strep infection, PANS can be triggered by other infections including mycoplasma pneumonia, staph, lyme and co-infections, influenza, coxsackie virus and COVID.
If a child, adolescent or young adult experiences an abrupt onset of psychiatric or behavioral symptoms, abnormal movement or tics and/or eating restrictions, PANDAS and PANS should be considered as these disorders require medical intervention and treatment.