And Her Love Of NARCOMS
July 24, 2024
Honoring
June
Halper
And Her Love Of NARCOMS
Left: Gary Cutter, PhD, NARCOMS Scientific Advisor Right: June Halper, RN, MSN, APN-C, MSCN
June Halper, RN, MSN, APN-C, MSCN, was a remarkable and dedicated leader in the field of multiple sclerosis( MS) who significantly advanced the management of MS, particularly through her work in founding the Consortium of MS Centers( CMSC) and the International Organization of Multiple Sclerosis Nurses( IOMSN). The IOMSN is the first and only international organization focusing solely on the needs and goals of professional nurses— anywhere in the world— who care for people with multiple sclerosis.
June was instrumental in the early development and ongoing support of NARCOMS. June began working in the MS field in 1978, and as a nurse practitioner, recognized the importance of team-based multidisciplinary care to people living with MS. Her commitment to advancing multidisciplinary care was enacted, in part, through her role as Executive Director of the CMSC. She served as Executive Director from 1992 until her death in July 2024. Under June’ s leadership, the CMSC advocated for comprehensive care models, produced clinical practice guidelines that were widely adopted, and enhanced awareness of the CMSC. The CMSC remains the only multidisciplinary professional organization for MS globally.
One of June’ s many legacies is the establishment of the NARCOMS Registry by the CMSC in 1995. She recognized the importance of gathering information about MS directly from people with MS and the importance of understanding how the health of people with MS changes over time. Through June’ s tireless enthusiasm and support over three decades, NARCOMS became and remains a vital resource for better understanding MS and ultimately improving MS care.
June Halper will be remembered for creating exceptional and unique organizations through her unwavering commitment to the MS community. Her energy and impact will live on through the continuing efforts of the CMSC and NARCOMS.
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