AMBLER, PA — The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, a lifeline for many in the fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), has announced a significant rebranding. Now known as ALS United Mid-Atlantic, this transformation follows its legal separation from The ALS Association, which took place on September 1, 2023.
This rebranding represents a new era for the organization, which along with 14 other chapters, serves about half of the nation’s ALS patient population and supports numerous certified treatment centers and ALS clinics.
The unveiling of the new logo, branding, colors, and mission statement was a highlight of the ALS United Mid-Atlantic 2023 Annual Celebration. This celebration also showcased the Flame of Hope Awards, honoring exceptional contributions to ALS care, advocacy, and research.
Founded in August 1977, ALS United Mid-Atlantic has grown significantly over the years. It devotes over half of its budget to direct patient care through the Arthur and Lea Powell Patient Services Program. The program’s nurses, social workers, and care professionals boast a combined 179 years of experience working with the ALS community, and over 445 years of experience in patient care.
The organization runs eight multidisciplinary ALS Treatment Centers, as well as several dedicated programs focusing on in-home care, medical equipment loans, transportation, assistive technology, accessibility, services for military veterans with ALS, educational webinars and videos, and support groups.
Over the past four decades, ALS United Mid-Atlantic has been a leading advocate for ALS research. Its efforts have been instrumental in the Food and Drug Administration’s approval of two new treatments for ALS in just the past 18 months, bringing the total number of treatments to four.
John Russo, who has been living with ALS since 2013, praised the organization’s commitment. “ALS United Mid-Atlantic provides the services, advocacy, and research to give people with ALS like me the confidence we need as we navigate this challenging disease,” Russo said. “These changes in name and look are important, but most crucial for ALS families is knowing that we can count on the decades of experience and knowledge from the ALS United Mid-Atlantic care team and the brilliant researchers right here in our area.”
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