Resources & Support¶

A curated directory of free, trustworthy help for people affected by epilepsy in Minnesota and nationally. Listings of clinics are informational, not endorsements.

In an emergency, call 911.

For mental-health crisis support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), free and available 24/7.

Minnesota¶

Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota (EFMN), https://www.epilepsyfoundationmn.org Phone 651-287-2300 · info@efmn.org. Free, statewide support:

Personalized support & care coordination (phone, video, in person; English and Spanish)
Community Health Workers who connect families to healthcare and social services
Connect Groups (support groups): adult, parent/caregiver, young adult, teen, and Spanish
Camps: Camp Oz (overnight, ages 9-17), Day Camp (ages 6-12), and Family Camp
Seizure Smart trainings (free, for schools, workplaces, and community groups)
Advocacy on prescription costs and SUDEP awareness

Minnesota Department of Health, "Managing Seizures in School", https://www.health.state.mn.us/people/childrenyouth/schoolhealth/hco/seizurestoolkit.html The state's seizure toolkit: action-plan templates in multiple languages, training tools, and the law behind it all.

Pediatric epilepsy centers in Minnesota (informational listing, not a recommendation)

Children's Minnesota, Pediatric Epilepsy, https://www.childrensmn.org/services/care-specialties-departments/epilepsy/
M Health Fairview / University of Minnesota, Pediatric Epilepsy, https://www.mhealthfairviewpeds.org/condition/epilepsy
Gillette Children's, Pediatric Neurology, https://www.gillettechildrens.org/conditions-care/pediatric-neurology
Mayo Clinic (Rochester), Epilepsy, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epilepsy

National¶

Epilepsy Foundation Helpline, https://www.epilepsy.com/helpline 1-800-332-1000 (English) · 1-866-748-8008 (Spanish). Note: live specialists answer Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm ET; outside those hours it's self-service (online form + assistant).

Seizure first aid (Stay, Safe, Side), https://www.epilepsy.com/recognition/first-aid-resources
Seizure action plan templates (multiple languages), https://www.epilepsy.com/preparedness-safety/action-plans
Free training for school staff and nurses, https://www.epilepsy.com/programs/training-education

CDC Epilepsy, https://www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/index.html (family and school guidance, first aid).

Understanding SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy)¶

Families often ask about SUDEP and rarely get a straight, calm answer. Here is one.

What it is: SUDEP is when a person with epilepsy dies suddenly and unexpectedly with no other cause found. It is rare, and for most people with epilepsy the risk is low.

How common: roughly 1 in 1,000 adults with epilepsy per year, and notably lower in children (about 1 in 4,500 per year). It is rare in people whose seizures are well controlled.

What raises risk: mainly frequent, uncontrolled seizures, especially generalized tonic-clonic ("grand mal") seizures, and missing medication.

What can help (discuss with your doctor): the most important step is the best possible seizure control, taking medicine exactly as prescribed, telling your provider if seizures continue, getting enough sleep, and asking an epilepsy specialist about options if seizures persist. Some families also discuss nighttime monitoring with their care team.

Where to get support: your child's neurology/epilepsy team, the Epilepsy Foundation Helpline (1-800-332-1000), EFMN, and the Epilepsy Foundation's SUDEP program (https://www.epilepsy.com/programs/sudep-program). The goal here is awareness and good seizure control, not alarm; ask your doctor what applies to your child.

Help affording medication¶

NeedyMeds, https://www.needymeds.org (helpline 800-503-6897): free directory of patient assistance programs and a discount card.
RxAssist, https://www.rxassist.org: directory of manufacturer assistance programs.
Medicine Assistance Tool, https://medicineassistancetool.org (industry assistance search; this program is transitioning in 2026, confirm the live link).
GoodRx, https://www.goodrx.com: free coupon/price-comparison tool (a discount tool, not insurance or charity).
Manufacturer programs: most brand-name epilepsy drugs have their own assistance programs; search the maker's site, or use NeedyMeds/RxAssist to find it.

Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid): https://mn.gov/dhs (DHS 651-297-3862 / 800-657-3672). Ask specifically about MA-TEFRA, which can qualify a child with a certified disability for Medical Assistance based on the child's income regardless of the parents' (https://disabilityhubmn.org).

Epilepsy commonly co-occurs with depression (the most common), anxiety, ADHD, and learning differences. Recognizing these early and getting support helps.

Epilepsy Foundation, related conditions in children, https://www.epilepsy.com/parents-and-caregivers/talking-kids-about-epilepsy/related-conditions
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, call or text 988, https://988lifeline.org
Also: your pediatrician, and your school counselor or psychologist.

Teens, driving, and seizures in Minnesota¶

In Minnesota, to get or keep a driver's license after a seizure or loss of consciousness, a person generally must be seizure-free for about 3 months and provide a physician's certification of a favorable prognosis. Drivers report episodes to the state; Minnesota does not require physicians to report. Exceptions can apply (for example, a seizure caused by a temporary illness or a doctor-ordered medication change).

This is a general summary, rules change and details matter, so confirm current requirements with Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services and your physician. See EFMN's driving page (https://www.epilepsyfoundationmn.org/about-epilepsy/epilepsy-and-driving/) and Minn. Rules 7410.2500 (https://www.revisor.mn.gov/rules/7410.2500/).

This directory is informational and not medical, legal, or financial advice. Links and phone numbers were verified in June 2026; if you find something out of date, please tell us via LinkedIn.