The Marshall University Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic, jointly operated by Marshall Health Network and Marshall University, has been named the first ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center in West Virginia.

"This prestigious designation underscores our commitment to providing exceptional care and support to individuals and families affected by ALS," said Paul B. Ferguson, M.D., Marshall Health neurologist and professor and chair of neurology at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately, respiratory failure. The multidisciplinary clinic, established in 2018, is one of only 100 treatment centers recognized by the ALS Association in the United States. It provides comprehensive care to ALS patients including medical management, rehabilitation, and supportive services.

"ALS patients who receive services from multidisciplinary care models like ours have shown improved quality of life and life expectancy," said Jared Hollinger, M.D., Marshall Health neurologist, assistant professor at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and medical director of Marshall's ALS Clinic.

To achieve certification as a Recognized Treatment Center, the clinic underwent a rigorous evaluation process conducted by the ALS Association. The evaluation assessed care delivery, including clinical expertise, access to specialized treatments, patient support services and adherence to best practices in ALS management.

As an ALS Association Recognized Treatment Center, the Marshall University ALS Clinic serves as a regional hub for ALS care, offering specialized services, clinical trials and access to FDA approved treatments. Additionally, the center will provide educational resources and support programs to empower patients, caregivers and health care professionals in the fight against ALS.

In late summer 2024, the Marshall University ALS Clinic will move from the Marshall Speech and Hearing Center on Marshall University's Huntington campus to Marshall Neurology on the fourth floor of the new outpatient medical pavilion at Cabell Huntington Hospital, 1340 Hal Greer Blvd. in Huntington. For more information about the clinic, please visit marshallhealth.org/als or call 304-696-3246.

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