What We Do
ALS Northwest 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, ALS Northwest 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 support hundreds of people with ALS every year with a comprehensive program of care services. ALS Northwest is committed to enhancing the quality of life of people living with ALS through the many 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
ALS Northwest 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.
Research
Every aspect of our work is dedicated to advancing our mission of discovering effective treatments and ultimately eradicating ALS. This underscores the critical importance of funding exceptional ALS research. We prioritize funding the most promising research endeavors and actively cultivate innovative partnerships spanning government, industry, academia, and other nonprofit organizations. Additionally, we invest in emerging talent, nurturing young scientists to drive innovation.
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, ALS Northwest 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, through our relationships with partner organizations, such as local baseball teams and with the news media, we help raise ALS awareness and support.
Our Impact in 2024
People living with ALS and their families come first in everything we do, and everything we do supports the search for effective treatments and cures for ALS. See below for a quick snapshot of some of the accomplishments of the organization over the last year thanks to donor support!
650
People with ALS served in Oregon and SW Washington
Care Services Success
Thank you for making 2024 such a impactful year for people with ALS! Your advocacy and contributions made a tangible difference, empowering people with ALS and families to remain active, connected, and engaged.
329
Financial Assistance Grants approved
Financial Assistance Program
We provided $122,126 in direct financial assistance to families living with ALS. Funds helped people living with ALS and their caregivers with things like respite care, co-pays and home modifications.
404
Medical equipment loans served to people with ALS
Medical Equipment Loans Program
We provided delivery and custom fitting of medical equipment like electric wheelchairs and Hoyer lifts that help individuals adapt incrementally to their ALS progression, maintain their independence and remain an integral part of their community.
$2.5M
Cumulative total invested in ALS Research
ALS Research Investments
In addition to numerous major research grants throughout our organizational history, last year ALS Northwest funded the Accelerating Medicines Partnership in ALS (AMP ALS). This public-private partnership aims to accelerate the therapeutic and biomarker development for ALS, uniting resources across groups to support new treatments for ALS.
105
Caregiving 101 Participants
Caregiver Training
Where Else Are Your Donations Going?
124
People with ALS attended 194 support group meetings
686
ALS Clinic appointments completed at one of five multidisciplinary centers
387
Home visits
6,841
Support communications completed with people living with ALS, caregivers, and family members
172
People with ALS received communication and technology assistance