#United States #Los Angeles #ALS #ALS Association #UCLA ALS Clinic

The ALS Association Celebrates a Landmark Achievement

The ALS Association, a prominent organization in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), proudly announced the accreditation of the UCLA ALS Clinic and Research Center as its 100th Certified Treatment Center of Excellence®. This momentous designation underscores the center's commitment to providing high-quality care for individuals battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Understanding ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. As the disease advances, individuals lose the ability to walk, talk, swallow, and eventually breathe, often leading to total paralysis within two to five years after diagnosis. Currently, there is no known cause or cure for ALS, making access to excellent care critical for improving the quality of life of those affected.

Significance of the 100th Center

The establishment of the 100th Certified Treatment Center of Excellence signifies a pivotal step in expanding access to comprehensive and specialized care for ALS patients nationwide. Kim Maginnis, the Senior Vice President for Clinical Programs and Outreach at the ALS Association, remarked, "This milestone allows us to ensure that individuals living with ALS and their families have access to the highest standard of specialized care no matter where they reside."

What It Means to Be Certified

To achieve the Certified Treatment Center of Excellence designation, clinics must adhere to stringent program requirements established by the American Academy of Neurology. This includes maintaining a collaborative relationship with the ALS Association and participating in ALS-specific research that has received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. The designation assures patients and their families that the center offers evidence-based care of the highest quality.

The Multidisciplinary Approach

The center's multidisciplinary care model is central to its success, bringing together healthcare professionals with specialized training to collaborate on comprehensive treatment plans. Research indicates that this collaborative model significantly enhances the quality of life for ALS patients and, in many cases, extends their lifespan. The ALS Association has historically endorsed such care across the nation, exemplifying its commitment to advancing standards in ALS treatment.

Recognition of Excellence

Nancy Wakefield, the Managing Director of Care Services at the ALS Association, expressed her pride in recognizing the UCLA ALS Clinic's outstanding multidisciplinary approach: "The care that people receive here serves as a model for other regions, showcasing how collaborative efforts can effectively manage this devastating disease."

Dr. Martina Wiedau, the Medical Director of the UCLA ALS Clinic, expressed gratitude for the certification, emphasizing the center's dedication to providing the best care for ALS patients in Los Angeles. "We are excited to be recognized as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence and appreciate the ongoing support from the ALS Association."

New Additions to the Network

In addition to UCLA, several other clinics have recently received the prestigious certification, further strengthening the ALS Association's network. These clinics include:

• - University of Colorado ALS Clinic
• - UF Health Neuromedicine – Fixel Institute
• - University of Alabama at Birmingham ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic
• - Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
• - University of Washington Center for ALS Care

These additions are instrumental in enhancing the accessibility of ALS care and ensuring that those in need receive exceptional treatment.

Join the Fight Against ALS

The ALS Association is the world’s largest philanthropic funder of ALS research. Through its extensive network of certified clinical care centers, the Association supports research collaborations globally, advocates for improved public policies, and assists patients and families in navigating their journey with ALS.

For those seeking more information about ALS and the ALS Association's Certified Treatment Centers, please visit als.org/local-support/certified-centers-clinics to learn more about the vital resources available to those affected by ALS.