What is advocacy and why is it important?

Advocacy for research, health & long-term care, and caregiver support are among the top priorities of the Advocacy Department of The ALS Association, which provides people with ALS and their families an active and strong voice in the nation’s capital and State Capitals across the country.   Through outreach, educa­tion, and awareness, the Advocacy Department advances The Association’s mission to find a treatment and cure for ALS and effectively promotes the interests of the ALS community with Members of Congress, the White House and State officials.

Located in Washington, DC, the Advocacy Department also organizes The ALS Association’s National Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference each year. This event is the ALS community’s opportunity to join together to educate Members of Congress on the importance of stepping up the fight to conquer ALS through research care and support.

The Advocacy Department’s true strength derives from a national network of chapters, persons with ALS and their fam­ily members who can tell the ALS story and demonstrate why much more must be done in the fight against ALS. Their dedication and commitment to help current and future genera­tions affected by this horrific disease was instrumental in the landmark enactment of the ALS Registry Act and the 24-month Medicare waiver for people with ALS. The ALS community’s involve­ment in advocacy also has led to substantial increases in federal funding for ALS research and historic new benefits for military veterans with ALS, who are at greater risk of the disease.  These successes demonstrate how our advocacy is developing the roadmap that will lead us to a treatment and cure for Lou Gehrig’s Disease. 

While we are encouraged by our accomplishments, we know there is much more to be done to strike out ALS. We need your help!