HDSA Missouri Chapter

HD AWARENESS MONTH:
Wellness Wednesday Segment

Let’s talk about youth and young adult programs within the HD Community.

As we embark on our final Wellness Wednesday segment for 2026, we shine a light on HDSA youth and young adult services.

Many families may be unfamiliar with these specialized services, our goal is to provide additional information so you and your loved ones become more aware about the programs offered.

MaryAnn Emerick, LMSW is amazing and passionate, she is the Senior Manager of Youth & Community Services at the Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA).

MaryAnn oversees the organization's youth services and the HDSA National Youth Alliance (NYA).For the youngest members of families affected by Huntington's disease, HDSA provides specialized services and dedicated youth social workers.

Please contact MaryAnn at: [email protected]
Or Anna (Missouri Chapter Social Worker) at: [email protected] to learn more today!

Resources developed under the youth initiative include:

Youth & Young Adult Mentorship Program: A national one-on-one mentorship platform that pairs youth with trained mentors who understand the unique challenges of growing up in an HD family.

Youth Social Worker Program: A dedicated initiative that recruits and trains social workers within the HD network to provide case management, counseling, and specific resources for children and teens.

National Youth Alliance (NYA): A community branch for children, teens, and young adults (ages 9–35) designed to support young people through advocacy, fundraising, and peer connections.To learn more about these programs or reach out to the services team, visit the HDSA National Youth Alliance.

Remember, “Family is Everything!”

https://www.google.com/url?q=https://nya.hdsa.org/about-nya&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwj_mOSputiUAxW3rYkEHepcOeoQFnoECDoQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1umoN6IATw_JbCRuX2Wq5d

https://nya.hdsa.org