Become an Advocate
As an ALS Northwest advocate, you can help change the laws and policies that affect thousands of persons with ALS and their families.
What is Advocacy and why is it important?
Advocate: noun
/ˈadvəkət/
1. a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
ALS Northwest is a leader in championing policies aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals living with ALS, as well as their families and caregivers. Our advocacy efforts are firmly grounded in the voices and needs of those affected by ALS, as we strive to support and improve their daily lives.
Our strength emanates from the active engagement of ALS patients and their families in the advocacy process, which has yielded significant achievements such as increased federal funding for ALS research, the successful passage of the Medicare waiver for ALS patients, the establishment of presumptive disability recognition by the Social Security Administration, and award of Service Connected Veteran’s benefits from the VA to Veterans of the armed forces who are diagnosed with ALS. Check out the original press release from this VA newsroom in 2008.
Staff members Cassy Adams and Lance Christian and board member and person with ALS Ian McHone meeting with the office of Representative Earl Blumenauer to discuss funding ALS research, and our public policy priorities.
How You Can Help
Our advocates are passionate about encouraging government officials at all levels — state, local, and federal — to improve awareness and resources for people affected by ALS.
Advocates affect real change in the way that our government responds to the needs of the ALS community.
Sharing your connection to ALS in person, over the phone, in an email or even a letter can help educate and mobilize our elected officials to take action! Advocates with ALS Northwest help change the laws and policies that affect all people with ALS and their families every single year.
Choose the "Public Policy" interest using the email sign-up below to stay informed.
