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 2020, our chapter met the needs of 273 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 2020, we were able to loan 1,553 pieces of equipment, evaluate and modify 73 homes to foster independence and improve the quality of life for people with ALS and their families.

Communications and Assistive Devices: Allows people who have lost their ability to verbally communicate to borrow devices not covered by medical insurance; in 2020, we provided 23 high-tech communication devices.

Wellness: In 2020, we helped provide $25,000 in Hope Scholarships for people with ALS to receive additional physical rehabilitation. Our staff and volunteers delivered 710 hot food or fruit, food and vegetable box packages to patient families, and Care Services staff spent 218 hours supporting patients at Certified ALS clinics including UC San Diego. 

Research: The ALS Association is leading the way globally in the fight against ALS so those affected by the disease can live longer, better lives. We are the largest private funder of ALS Research worldwide, and our efforts have led to some of the most promising and significant advances in ALS research.

Currently, 171 active research projects are funded by the ALS Association in 15 countries.

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.