ALS Northwest

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that slowly robs a person of their ability to walk, speak, swallow and, eventually breathe. With no known cause or cure, a person can expect to live typically 2 to 5 years from the time of diagnosis. ALS has no racial, ethnic or socioeconomic boundaries. Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with this disease, and every 90 minutes, we lose someone to this disease. Since its inception in 2002, ALS Northwest is the central source for services and education in all of Oregon and the six counties of Southwest Washington. The progression of ALS varies significantly from one person to another. Responding to each person’s individual needs, our local chapter is available to provide vital services and reliable information. A sampling of our services provided free of charge: • On-staff Care Services Coordinators who offer individual support and home visits to assess needs, suggest equipment, connect with local resources and help families plan. • Partnerships in ALS multidisciplinary centers and clinics. • Medical Equipment Loan Program that shares equipment to aid in daily living activities and with mobility. • Augmentative Communication and Assistive Technology Program to support communication, access and technology needs. • Caregiver Support Program to provide help and support including family caregiver support groups, Care Connections guidance, In-Home Caregiving referrals and Respite Care grants. • Monthly Support Group Program. • Support and resources for children who have ALS in their families. • Counseling Program with financial grants and referrals to community resources to help with accessing professional mental health services. • Bereavement Support for those who have lost a loved one to ALS. • Education and Outreach to the health care community, home health care agencies and the community with updates on current ALS needs & solutions.