Innovation plays a key role in The ALS Association’s fight to develop treatments and a cure for ALS and to empower people living with the disease to live their lives to the fullest. During June and July, we are celebrating some of the key innovations helping us change the nature of ALS forever.

People living with ALS and their families need a great number of care services. We use innovative technology and partnerships to help fill the gaps in care for underserved populations and connect people with ALS to opportunities for greater quality of life.

Our Mid-America Chapter has developed a program that takes access to care a step further, while also incorporating research elements.

The program has been called an ALS Telemedicine Treatment Center “with a twist.” The neurologist is remote, the care team is local, and telemedicine research will be available for people with ALS in even the most rural areas.

This new telemedicine clinic in Wichita, Kan., allows doctors to consult with patients remotely via a secure telemedicine network from their University Health System office in Kansas City. Importantly, the in-person clinic team is comprised of local specialists, since existing clinics may not be accessible due to the long travel time, especially as the disease progresses.

The first formal clinic, held last fall, garnered rave reviews.

Jack Wilson, a Wichita resident who has been battling ALS for more than seven years said, “Oh boy, what a wonderful ALS Clinic visit. Saw the whole team today. […] Even through ice and snow, it was so much easier and quicker than going to [Kansas City]. I liked how we meet with the doctor via Skype and [have] the whole team present during the interview. Wichita's clinic rocks...wonderful team.”

You can watch part of a clinic visit for Bryan Flores, another Wichita resident, here.

One exciting addition to the clinic’s work is the ability to provide research opportunities for people with ALS. The University of Kansas Health System and the University of Kansas Medical Center’s special partnership enables patients to participate in the latest and most advanced clinical trials.