OUR PROGRAMS - YOUR DOLLARS GO THE DISTANCE
The ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter has been making a difference in the lives of people with ALS and their families for almost 20 years, coordinating services with care and compassion, ensuring that individuals receive the highest level of support possible to maintain their dignity and independence.
Everything we do — from providing top care at our clinic, to sharing individual grant and scholarship opportunities for people with ALS, to advocating for public policy changes — relies on the donations of our generous supporters. Your investment in The ALS Association Greater San Diego Chapter will directly provide services for the more than 200 people living with ALS throughout San Diego and Imperial Counties and help fund The ALS Association’s network of researchers who are searching every day for treatments and a cure.
Support for families: In 2019, our chapter met the needs of 255 families affected by ALS through a variety of services, including special programs for patients and caregivers, home visits and care management, the loan of durable medical equipment, educational resources, and collaborations with our local ALS multidisciplinary clinic at UCSD to help ensure patients receive the highest level of care possible.
Durable Medical Equipment & Home Safety: In 2019, we were able to loan 1,329 pieces of equipment, evaluate and modify more than 100 homes fostering independence and improving the quality of life for people with ALS and their families.
Communications and Assistive Devices: Allows people who have lost their ability to communicate to borrow devices not covered by medical insurance. In 2019, we lent 21 high-tech communication devices; each system has average value of $25K.
Passes for PALS: These opportunities allow people affected by ALS to come together in-person for support, information, and inspiration while enjoying sights, sounds and experiences throughout San Diego – at no cost for any participant. In 2019, we held 6 outings and totaled 261 attendees.
Research: In 2019, the ALS Association contributed $400,000 to San Diego based research from the overall 18 million national research budget. Funding from The ALS Association over the past 30 years has contributed to a better understanding of ALS, improved care for people living with the disease, and new treatment approaches in clinical trials, helping to shape a future of unparalleled hope for those with ALS.
Advocacy: The ALS Association advocates for changes in laws and policies that affect thousands of people living with ALS and their families. ALS Advocates from across the country, including from San Diego, have been instrumental in passing legislation to advance ALS research and to ensure that people living with ALS have access to the healthcare they need and deserve. Advocacy for research, health and long-term care, and caregiver support are among the top priorities of The ALS Association.
