ALS United Ohio

Most of us know ALS as Lou Gehrig’s disease, but it stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It’s an insidious disease that takes away everything.

ALS United Ohio was founded in 1983 to serve the unique needs of those living with ALS, their families, and their caregivers. We provide all programs and services FREE OF CHARGE, thanks to the generous contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations in the community. Donations, sponsorships, and grants are the organization’s sole source of revenue.

ALS United Ohio’s Mission is to provide comprehensive support and advocacy for people with ALS and their families, while advancing research for new treatments and an end to ALS.

ALS United Ohio is boots-on-the-ground in Cincinnati and the rest of our original 55-county territory, and is now expanding into northern Kentucky, southeastern Indiana, and northern Ohio.

Only 10% of ALS cases are familial; 90% of ALS cases strike at random without regard to age, gender, ethnicity, income, profession, or health status. In other words, ALS can strike anyone, at any time. 

Last year we served 621 people with ALS – this is 50 more people than the year before and continues the trend of a 40% increase in patients over a five-year period. 

Our experienced ALS healthcare consultants help people navigate their illness with independence, connection, comfort, peace of mind, and quality of life through the following services:

Case Management - Registered patients are assigned a Care Services Coordinator who guides them through all aspects of their support and care. These nurses and social workers are knowledgeable about the complexities of ALS care and the resources available. Having a single point of contact provides personalized attention and continuity of care.

ALS Clinics - Care Services Coordinators collaborate with hospital-based, state-of-the-art multidisciplinary ALS clinics at the University of Cincinnati and OhioHealth in Columbus. These clinics address complex needs in a supportive atmosphere with an emphasis on hope and quality of life. This interprofessional care has been shown to extend lives and improve quality of life for people with ALS. 

Equipment Program - People with ALS who are registered with our organization can access needed equipment and supplies through three aspects of our program:

1. DME Loans – People with ALS can borrow durable medical equipment (DME) and assistive technology (subject to availability) at no cost.
2. AdaptAbility Items - Free single-use adaptive or smart home equipment to promote safety and independence.
3. Free Fridays Exchange – A weekly email connecting people with ALS and their families with one another so they can exchange free supplies and equipment as their needs change.

Patient Grant Program – Quality of Life reimbursement grants provide up to $1,200 per patient per year to support disease-related expenses.

Education & Exchange Groups – Monthly meetings provide an opportunity for patients, caregivers, family members, friends and professionals to connect, learn, share and grow throughout their ALS experience.

Information & Resources - We provide ongoing ALS education and information for patients, healthcare professionals, caregivers and others through its monthly print and electronic newsletters, its robust lending library of resources, phone and in-office consultations, and on-site continuing education.

Family & Caregiver Support – Our care services team provides children’s ALS resources, bereavement support, resource referrals, and caregiver appreciation to help families through their experiences.