Key Takeaways
- The ALS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is now an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence™.
- The center brings together neurologists, palliative care experts, nurses, therapists, and researchers to support ALS care in one program.
- Patients and families can access ALS care at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.
- The center also takes part in ALS research and offers access to clinical trials when appropriate.
- This is the second ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence™ in the Hackensack Meridian Health network, joining Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
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The ALS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious designation of an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence™, marking a major milestone for the care of individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the region. The certification recognizes the program's commitment to providing outstanding, multidisciplinary care and its dedication to advancing research in the fight against this devastating disease.
ALS, often called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to a loss of muscle control. The disease’s progression can vary, but it relentlessly impacts a person's ability to move, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. While there is no cure for ALS, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treatment has been shown to improve patients' quality of life and can extend survival.
The ALS Association’s certification affirms that the ALS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center meets the highest national standards of care. This model brings together a dedicated team of specialists, including neurologists, palliative care experts, nurses, therapists, and researchers, to provide a seamless and patient-centered experience. This integrated approach ensures that patients and their families receive comprehensive support to navigate the complex challenges of living with ALS.
"This recognition is the culmination of a seven-year effort to build a state-of-the-art, patient-centered ALS Center," said Florian P. Thomas, M.D., Ph.D., co-director of the ALS Center and founding chair and Professor of Neurology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine & Hackensack University Medical Center. - Robert D. Connors, M.D., co-director of the ALS Center & assistant professor of Neurology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine adds “We are incredibly proud of our entire team's compassionate, collaborative, and courageous care for our patients and their families. This designation not only acknowledges our commitment to excellence in clinical care but also solidifies our position as a vital center for ALS research, offering our patients access to cutting-edge clinical trials."
The need for such specialized centers is more critical than ever. The number of people living with ALS in the U.S. is projected to grow from roughly 33,000 to over 36,000 by 2030, driven in part by an aging population.The disease can impact cognition, and research is increasingly focused on the role of genetic factors and environmental links, such as exposure to pollutants.
"Achieving the status of an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence™ is a tremendous honor and a direct reflection of our team's unwavering dedication to our patients," said Dr. Lisa Tank, President and Chief Hospital Executive at Hackensack University Medical Center. "This designation provides our community with the assurance that they have access to the highest level of care, right here in New Jersey. We are committed to not only providing exceptional, compassionate care but also to contributing to the vital research that will one day lead to a cure for ALS."
This new certification makes the ALS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center the 2nd one in the Hackensack Meridian Health Network, the other being at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.. For more information please visit the website.
As a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence, the ALS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center is positioned at the forefront of these developments. The center integrates the latest scientific insights into patient care and actively participates in the research that brings us closer to a cure. This designation offers a beacon of hope, ensuring that individuals and families affected by ALS have access to a comprehensive team of experts dedicated to improving their quality of life today while advancing the science for a better tomorrow.
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