John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center - Dignity Health

At John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center – Dignity Health, members can participate in two signature programs designed to support your physical, mental and emotional health. Each program includes both individualized and group exercises, education, social support, cognitive stimulation, emotional support and recreational activities.

Empowered to Achieve: 

• Meets one day per week for 5 hours

• Program times: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Achieving Wellness:

• Meets one day per week for 2.5 hours

• Program times: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. or 12:30 – 3:00 p.m.

We offer brain training exercises using tablet applications and written formats. These exercises help stimulate your brain, strengthen neural connections and support daily cognitive function.

We are open to anyone living with multiple sclerosis. For admittance into the program, members must:

• Attend the full duration of the program and participate in activities one day per week

• Make arrangements for transportation to and from the Center

Members stay enrolled in the program for as long as it serves their needs. While there is no definitive end to participating, we ask for a minimum three-month commitment.

To become a member of our Center, download and complete our application or call us at (916) 453-7966 and we’ll send you an application.

After you apply, we schedule a 30-minute virtual meeting with our Director and/or Program Manager to determine if our programs are a good fit for your needs. 

Next, we’ll schedule an intake appointment where you’ll sign your enrollment paperwork and complete a variety of baseline screenings.

Our outreach programs provide opportunities to connect with others living with multiple sclerosis. Our regular programs include a book club and a free virtual workshop that helps participants explore expressive writing as a form of healing. 

Additionally, we offer a monthly virtual education series that brings together experts from across the country to explore various topics, such as symptom management and healthy living.

To register, call (916) 453-7966 or email Melissa Watkins

Members receive personalized, compassionate care from professionals with training and expertise in helping people manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Our expert staff includes: Director, Program Manager, Nurse Navigator, Outreach Education Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, Exercise Specialist and Administrative Coordinator with backgrounds in physical therapy, social work, nursing, fitness and recreational therapy. Some of our team members are also certified MS Specialists.

While we do not provide medical or neurological care, our program complements your medical treatments, helping to improve your quality of life.

Both the Empowered to Achieve and the Achieving Wellness programs have a monthly fee. Insurance does not cover the fee because this is not a medical program, but financial assistance is available.

Support the MSAC's vital work by making a donation. Simply visit supportmercyfoundation.org and choose "John A. Schafer, MD Multiple Sclerosis Achievement Center" to direct your contribution. If you're interested in learning more about our valued donors, please reach out to Mercy Foundation at (916) 851-2700.

Yes, we actively foster connection and education within the MS community through various events.

For the local MS community: We provide accessible, in-person education sessions year-round, highlighted by our annual MS Patient Education Summit, which commonly takes place in March for MS Awareness Month.

For our active MSAC members: Our Recreation Therapist organizes a special Community Integration program, offering opportunities like Game Night, Art in the Park, Adaptive Aquatics, Adaptive Bowling and Ice Cream Socials.

Living with an MS diagnosis involves significant loss; one of our goals is to educate people living with MS about what they can do rather than focusing on the limitations of the disease.