In recognition of ALS Awareness Month, The ALS Association Florida Chapter is reminding Floridians of the impact COVID-19 has on the ALS community, a group that is particularly vulnerable to viral respiratory illnesses. Because of the need for physical distancing during this pandemic, people with ALS and their caregivers have no choice but to take extraordinary precautions and isolate themselves completely. This means they are at risk of losing access to services that are traditionally delivered in person at their homes or in a clinic.
The ALS Association and the network of ALS Clinics across the state are implementing virtual and other no-contact platforms to deliver urgent support and access to multidisciplinary care to people with ALS, their caregivers and their families. These services include telemedicine sessions with ALS clinic specialists, phone consultations by trained care services staff, as well as other programs to address the emotional, physical and financial burdens that can be exacerbated by isolation.
“For a person living with ALS, exposure to COVID-19 would be catastrophic. As a result, people with the disease and their caregivers have no choice but to take extreme precautions that disrupts traditional access to care services,” said Ray Carson, president and CEO of the Florida Chapter. “We have modified our services to ensure that those affected by ALS receive the support they need. And, we are proud to be partnering with an outstanding network of ALS Clinics across the state who are adapting to the needs of the ALS Community during this difficult time.”
The Florida Chapter is actively partnering with eight ALS Clinics across the state, including: the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, the University of Miami, the University of South Florida in Tampa, UF Health Jacksonville, Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Lee Health in Ft. Myers, Sarasota Memorial Hospital and University of Florida in Gainesville.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that afflicts more than 1,600 people in Florida. This terrible disease knows no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. It can strike anyone at any time. Every 90 minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS, and every 90 minutes, someone dies from ALS. Death is usually due to respiratory failure because of diminished strength in the skeletal muscles responsible for breathing. Few treatment options exist for these patients, resulting in a high unmet need for new therapies to address functional deficits and disease progression.
About The ALS Association Florida Chapter
Since 1987, The ALS Association Florida Chapter has been “covering all the bases for people living with ALS in Florida.” We provide patient programs, advocate on behalf of patients with our government leaders, create awareness of the disease, and fund research. In addition, the organization provides financial support to our statewide multidisciplinary ALS clinics and research facilities, enabling them to increase patient care. For more information, visit us on our website at www.alsafl.org or on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ALSFlorida.
