Town of North Hempstead & EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies Launch Epilepsy Response Training

NORTH HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK – The Town of North Hempstead partnered with the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, which includes the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island, to deliver specialized epilepsy response training for public safety officers and lifeguards. This proactive initiative underscores the Town’s commitment to building a more inclusive and prepared community for neighbors living with epilepsy.

“Ensuring that our public safety workers have this knowledge and skillset is not only a matter of emergency preparedness, but of compassion and responsibility,” said Supervisor DeSena. “We’re proud to partner with EPIC and bring this training to North Hempstead, and I hope we can set an example for how local government can better support their neighbors through inclusivity and education, especially for those with neurological conditions.”

The training, delivered by Epilepsy Foundation Long Island, focuses on seizure identification, appropriate emergency response, and how to interact with empathy and understanding towards individuals experiencing seizures. Participants who complete the course receive a two-year certification in epilepsy response, equipping them with knowledge that can help save lives during critical moments. The program is tailored for law enforcement, seasonal lifeguards, and other frontline safety personnel who are most likely to encounter someone experiencing a seizure in public.

By participating in this type of specialized training, North Hempstead ensured that more individuals can respond quickly and confidently when seizures occur. With more than 35,000 Long Islanders currently living with epilepsy and one in ten people expected to experience a seizure at some point in their lifetime, this education is not only important but essential to building a truly supportive and safe community.

“This partnership reflects the power of collaboration to bring meaningful change,” said Lisa Burch, MPH, CEO and President of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies. “Together, we are raising awareness, improving response capabilities, and advocating for people affected by epilepsy across Long Island. By equipping more individuals with this knowledge, we are helping to create safer, more supportive environments for everyone.”

The partnership between the Town of North Hempstead and EPIC reflects a shared commitment to empowering public servants with the tools, training, and empathy needed to protect and support every member of the community, especially those living with epilepsy.

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies comprises three organizations that provide advocacy and healthcare resources for families and communities throughout Long Island. EPIC Long Island operates a Day Habilitation program in East Meadow, along with 18 group homes located throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties and provides clinical services for children and adults who have developmental disabilities. These facilities are led by incredible caregivers who offer support and help facilitate wonderful experiences and programs for those in their care. Each of EPIC Long Island’s residences is unique, and the individuals who live there have various abilities as well as life challenges.

The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island helps raise awareness and provides vital advocacy and resources for the more than 35,000 Long Islanders who have been diagnosed with epilepsy and suffer from seizures. This includes providing community education in schools and healthcare venues and offering Seizure First Aid Certification to help train Long Islanders to provide immediate care for someone experiencing a seizure.