The ALS Association Florida Chapter

The ALS Association Florida Chapter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was established in August of 1987 as a chapter of The ALS Association to serve the Tampa Bay area. The Tampa Bay Chapter was founded by ALS patient Ann Smith to serve the needs of those living with Lou Gehrig's Disease in the Tampa Bay area. In 2001, the Tampa Bay Chapter expanded its services to all areas of the state of Florida and became known as The Florida Chapter.

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Mission

The mission of The ALS Association Florida Chapter is to lead the fight to cure and treat ALS through global, cutting-edge research, and to empower people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.^[1] The ALS Association carries out its mission at the national level and through its nationwide network of chapters and support groups. The ALS Association Florida Chapter plays a major role in promoting the mission of The Association by:^[2]

• Funding aggressive, cutting edge research to find a cure that utilizes the newest techniques and fosters collaborative initiatives among government agencies, the private sector and scientists.

• Providing a comprehensive range of support services for patients and their families in Florida, such as Support Groups, Loan Durable Medical Equipment, Kids Kare Program and Respite Care Grants.

• Heightening awareness of ALS in order to stimulate volunteerism, scientific and healthcare community activism, and public support that is essential to the fight against ALS.

• Supporting The Association's national advocacy program to expand government support of research and elicit programs to make treatments and care accessible and affordable for all ALS patients.

Patient Services

The Florida Chapter aims to enhance the quality of life of patients living with ALS through the programs offered to individuals and families affected by the disease. The Florida Chapter understands the value of patients with ALS being able to communicate, function safely in their home, and travel to ALS Clinics for comprehensive evaluation and treatment. These programs are designed to meet these essential care needs as well as the emotional needs of patients and caregivers living with ALS. Below is a list of the different services provided:^[3]

• Two Multidisciplinary ALS clinics
• Support Groups across the state
• Augmentative Communication Device Loans
• Educational Symposia
• Home Visits
• Case Management
• Information and Counseling
• Inservice Training for Health Care Providers
• Resource Referrals

References

1. National ALS Association Website (http://www.alsa.org) 2. ALS Association Florida Chapter Website (http://www.alsafl.org) 3. ALS Association Florida Chapter Website (http://www.alsafl.org)