Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive and fatal neurological condition that affects motor nerves -- but not mental function. Providence ALS Center, located at Providence Portland Medical Center, is the 28th facility in the country and the first in Oregon certified by the national ALS Association. The center is a cooperative effort between Providence Brain Institute, the ALS Association’s Oregon and Southwest Washington chapter, and The Oregon Clinic. Kimberly Goslin, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of the center, says the center works to ensure patients with the disease receive well-coordinated, pro-active care to help manage symptoms without losing their dignity.

“The team of ALS experts that I am working with is very dedicated, enthusiastic and positive,” says Dr. Goslin, who organized resources to open the ALS clinic two years
ago. “We feel very strongly that we’re able to make a major difference in people’s quality of life and life expectancy.”

“This is a special day in Oregon for people with ALS,” says Gary A. Leo, president and CEO of the national ALS Association. “This is an affirmation that the center is delivering the gold standard in care.”

“The clinic is an amazing partnership,” says Lance Christian, patient services director for the ALS Association local chapter. “Each organization contributes resources, time and energy to the success of Providence ALS Center. Working together we are all committed to helping people manage ALS.”