What We Do
The ALS Association symbolizes the hopes of people everywhere that Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis will one day be a disease of the past, conquered by the dedication of thousands who have worked ceaselessly to understand and eradicate this perplexing killer.
Until that day comes, The ALS Association relentlessly pursues its mission to help people living with ALS and to leave no stone unturned in the search for a cure for this progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Care Services
We embrace thousands of those stricken with the disease with the world's most comprehensive program of care and services. The Oregon and SW Washington Chapter is committed to enhancing the quality of life of people living with ALS through the many cost-free programs we offer to individuals and families affected by ALS. We understand the value of those with the disease being able to communicate, function safely in their home, and travel to ALS Clinics for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. Our programs are designed to meet these essential care needs as well as the emotional needs of those in our community and caregivers. Our services are available to people with ALS in the entire State of Oregon and six counties of SW Washington: Pacific, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, and Klickitat.
Advocacy
The Oregon and SW Washington Chapter focuses on state and federal advocacy for research, health & long-term care, and caregiver support. The ALS Community's involvement in advocacy has led to increased federal funding for ALS research at the NIH and federal funding for ALS research through the Department of Defense.
The ALS Association Capital Office organizes The ALS Association's National Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference each year. This event is the ALS community's only opportunity to join together to educate Members of Congress on the importance of stepping up the fight to conquer ALS through research care and support.
Research
We are the largest private funder of ALS research worldwide, and our efforts have led to some of the most promising and significant advances in the field. So far we have committed more than $122 million to research. Thanks to the donations raised during the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, we're now spending three times more than on ALS Research than before summer 2014.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of our research program. We partner with academia, industry, government, and other nonprofit organizations and lead by spurring long-lasting collaborations among researchers across all sectors, leading to globally shared data, protocols, and research samples to accelerate research progress.
Public Education & Awareness
Through community outreach, media relations, social media, and more, the Oregon and SW Washington Chapter raises awareness about ALS year-round. Our website is a vital source of information for those battling ALS and for people looking for the latest news and information about the disease. We provide an opportunity for anyone touched by this devastating disease to gather and connect with others through our many community outreach events. In addition, our relationships with partner organizations, such as local baseball teams and with the news media, we are proud to spotlight on our ALS community and help raise ALS awareness and support.