Education & Support for Neurology Care

Banner Neuro Wellness is a program complementary to current medical treatments and therapies for individuals and families who are affected by Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. 

Patients and families participating in Banner Neuro Wellness can enjoy a sense of community, increased socialization and ultimately, a higher quality of life.

Programming takes place at the following locations:

• Banner Neuro Wellness, 10515 W. Santa Fe Drive, Sun City, Ariz.
  Call (623) 832-2046
  • October Calendar 
  • Newsletter - Check out the latest edition of tips and tricks to help you live successfully with Parkinson’s disease from our team in the West Valley. Sign up to receive next quarter’s updates directly to your inbox
• Banner Neuro Wellness, 207 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert, Ariz.
  Call (480) 827-5800 
  • October Calendar   
  • Learn about our classes
• Banner Neuro Wellness Tucson - 2626 E. River Rd., Tucson, Ariz.
  Call (520) 694-7021

Headache Resources

• The American Headache Society: ACHE is an acronym for the American Headache Society® (AHS) Committee for Headache Education. The AHS sponsors and directs ACHE. The AHS is a professional society of health care providers who study and treat headache and face pain.
• National Headache Foundation: The National Headache Foundation’s mission is to increase awareness of headaches and migraines as legitimate neurobiological diseases. With the aid of advanced technology and clinical innovation over the past 42 years, there are now more treatment options than ever.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke seeks to increase fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system. The Institute wants to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.

Trigeminal Neuralgia Resources

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is the organization that speaks for all of neurosurgery. The AANS advances the neurological surgery specialty to promote the highest quality of patient care.
• The Facial Pain Association: The Facial Pain Association will soon begin its 25th year as an advocate for patients living with trigeminal neuralgia and related neuropathic facial pain. The Association educates patients and healthcare professionals and pushes for more research while it provides support.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also seeks to increase fundamental knowledge about this neurological disease.

Occipital Neuralgia Resource

• American Association of Neurological Surgeons: The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) seeks to advance this neurological disease, as well as trigeminal neuralgia and others.

Meds Connection was developed to help people from across Arizona receive prescription medication critical to their care. 

The program works by tapping into a number of medication sources, including Patient Assistance Programs offered by pharmaceutical companies and the Banner Family Pharmacy. 

Who is eligible?

• Residents of Arizona living with one of the following: Parkinson’s disease, Essential Tremor, Restless Leg Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis and Peripheral Neuropathy
• Individuals who are either uninsured or have gaps in coverage, such as the Medicare Coverage Gap

How does it work?

• Call Meds Connection toll-free at (866) 995-6432 to see if you qualify. Specified income limits must be met. No office visits necessary.
• If eligible, medication is provided at no cost directly from the pharmaceutical manufacturer or the Meds Connection pharmacy program.
• Co-pay assistance may be available depending on the medication.
• Free medications often provided for those in the Medicare ‘Coverage Gap.'

Meds Connection is funded through a generous gift to Banner Health Foundation from Alan and Sheila Fitzgerald of Gilbert, Arizona. Banner Health Foundation, a philanthropic resource for the nonprofit Banner Health, secures and stewards charitable contributions to advance Banner Health’s mission of making health care easier, so life can be better. 

For more information, please contact: 

Meds Connection 
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix 
Neuroscience Clinic 
1012 E Willetta St. 
Phoenix, AZ 85006 
Tel: 1 (866) 995-6432 
Fax: (602) 839-3593

American Chronic Pain Association: Since 1980, the American Chronic Pain Association has offered pain management peer support and education to people with pain, their family and friends, and health care professionals.

American Chronic Pain Association: The American Chronic Pain Association unites patients and policy makers, and the healthcare, medical and scientific communities to transform lives. We offer support, advocacy, research and education of fibromyalgia and chronic pain illnesses.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke seeks to increase fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system. The Institute wants to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.

Parkinson's Disease Resources

• American Parkinson's Disease Association, Arizona Chapter: The American Parkinson Disease Association Arizona makes a positive difference in the lives of people in Arizona who are living with Parkinson’s disease. The Association promotes “Power Over Parkinson’s”™ through education, services and support.
• The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation: The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation was established in 1995 to find better treatments and cures for the movement disorders, dystonia, and Parkinson's disease. We provide medical and patient information to patients and their families.
• DBS4PD: DBS4PD.org commits to improve the quality of life of deep brain stimulation patients and their caregivers. Through patient and caregiver surveys, we ask questions and provide answers that will help the DBS-STN community.
• The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: The Michael J. Fox Foundation dedicates resources to find a cure for Parkinson's disease. The Foundation aggressively funds research to make sure improved therapies are developed for those living with Parkinson's today.
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke seeks to increase fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system. The Institute wants to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.
• National Parkinson Foundation: The National Parkinson Foundation has focused on the care and treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease for 50+ years. NPF has funded more than $180 million in care, research and support services.
• The Parkinson Alliance: The Parkinson Alliance is a national nonprofit organization, in partnership with The Tuchman Foundation. It promotes philanthropic activities to raise funds for promising Parkinson’s disease research that will help find the cure.
• Parkinson's Disease Foundation: The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is a leader in Parkinson’s disease research, education and public advocacy. We work for the nearly 1 million people in the US who live with Parkinson’s. The Foundation funds scientific research and supports people living with Parkinson’s through educational programs and services.

Tremor Resources

• International Essential Tremor Foundation: The International Essential Tremor Foundation funds research to find the cause of essential tremor (ET) that leads to treatments and a cure. We work to increase awareness and provide educational materials, tools, and support for healthcare providers, the public, and those affected by ET.
• National Institutes of Health: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke also seeks to increase fundamental knowledge about this neurological disease.

Dystonia Resources

• American Dystonia Society: American Dystonia Society was founded in November 2009 by a small group of people who have dystonia. ADS advocates for and supports veterans, Hispanics, and young adults with dystonia. ADS pushes initiatives and programs to promote awareness on every level of government and the general public.
• The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation: The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation was established in 1995 to find better treatments and cures for the movement disorders, dystonia, and Parkinson's disease. We provide medical and patient information to patients and their families.
• Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation: The Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation promotes a continued search for the cause and a cure for benign essential blepharospasm and other related disorders.
• Dystonia Medical Research Foundation: The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation advances research for more treatments and ultimately a cure. The Foundation promotes awareness and education, and supports the needs those with dystonia and their families.
• National Institutes of Health: The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke seeks to increase fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system. The Institute wants to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease.
• National Spasmodic Torticollis Association: The National Spasmodic Torticollis Association supports the needs and well-being of people with this disorder and their families. The Association also promotes awareness and education to advance research for more treatments and a cure.
• Spasmodic Torticollis Dystonia: ST/Dystonia is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization that provides sufferers with resources to manage their disorder better. We offer treatment advice from nationally recognized doctors, and written and electronic materials to help you learn more about this problem.

At Banner Health, we not only provide advanced neurology care for our patients, we also take part in clinical and medical advances in neurosciences. Because we’re a sponsor and participant in research programs locally, regionally and nationally, Banner Health patients have access to up-to-date trials for neurological treatment.

Groundbreaking Research

Banner Health researchers piloted landmark positron emission tomography (PET) that showed early brain changes in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer’s disease -- almost 50 years before those people may begin to experience memory and thinking problems. The study results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The same researchers lead the Banner Alzheimer's Institute, which is involved in clinical trials.

Banner Sun Health Research Institute is internationally known for its research in age-related disorders, offers clinical trials in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

Can I Participate in Clinical Trials?

Depending on your condition, you may qualify for a research or clinical trial. Talk to your doctor for more information on research trials and outcome studies at Banner Health.

The Research Administration at Banner Health oversees all research activities performed at our hospitals, including those in neurobiology/neuroengineering and neurology.