ALS NEW MEXICO FAQ
As of September 1, 2023, fifteen chapters, currently members of the ALS Association have legally separated from the organization. This includes Golden West. The following FAQ provides more detail on New Mexico’s separation from the ALS Association.
The New Mexico Chapter is one of 15 chapters legally separating from the national ALS Association. These chapters represent nearly half of the patient community and more than half of the Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence and multidisciplinary specialty clinics for ALS in the United States. The 15 chapters are collaborating closely and will continue to maintain a robust network of information and resource sharing across the ALS community. Each one of the 15 chapters, including New Mexico, is an independent organization that is well-positioned to continue effectively meeting the unique needs and responding to key priorities of the local communities that it serves. New Mexico will continue to function as a leader in the field, fostering innovation and state-of-the-art programs.
Each of the 15 chapters separated from the ALS Association effective September 1, 2023. The full operational separation will be completed by January 31, 2024.
The impact on New Mexico is positive. New Mexico is maintaining its independence to ensure access to the highest standard of care and continuity of care for those diagnosed with ALS in New Mexico. As the only ALS organization in the state currently serving more than 100 people diagnosed with ALS, as well as many family caregivers, professional caregivers, and loved ones, we will leverage our expertise in creating access to robust community-based care services, strong advocacy at the local, state and federal levels as well as within healthcare systems, accelerating research, and delivering public education and awareness programs to benefit the ALS community long into the future.
Initial action was taken in July of 2021 immediately upon notice of the national office’s plan to force the dissolution of all independent chapters. All parties reached an agreement with the national office in June 2023, after two years of discussions.
New Mexico is partnering closely with the 14 other independent chapters separating from the ALS Association. This synergetic network provides opportunities on multiple fronts to maximize our impact, innovate, and achieve economies of scale across the country – all in support of providing the ALS community. We will provide updates as this important collaboration continues to evolve.
As always, your gift to New Mexico supports our mission-critical activities related to local care, global research, and advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. And with strong ratings from nonprofit evaluators, you can be assured that your gift is well deployed for the purpose intended. New Mexico affirms the “Donor Bill of Rights” and shares financial statements online so that you can easily see how funding is allocated in support of the ALS community.
Everything we do is powered by people who care about people diagnosed with ALS, and we deeply appreciate your past and continued commitment during this transition period and beyond. Your gifts ensure access to comprehensive, expert care services for more than 100 people living with ALS and their loved ones, at no charge, in New Mexico. In addition to supporting access to the essential care and support that helps individuals live longer and better with ALS, you make it possible for the ALS community to participate in critical advocacy and research opportunities that provide real help and hope in the search for effective prevention strategies, treatments and cures for ALS.
100% of your contribution stays in New Mexico to provide services to ALS families
Sometimes people do make a gift to an organization by mistake. If you think that you may have accidentally made a gift to the ALS Association instead of New Mexico, or if you simply want to confirm that a recent gift you have made has been received by New Mexico, please let us know. We will research the situation, and we can request that your gift be redirected to New Mexico if needed.
With stakeholders committed to our success, we envision expanding our evidence-based core programs to address unmet needs and opportunities to innovate. As we have for many years, we are committed to providing a high standard of care, investing in ALS research, and advancing advocacy matters of crucial importance. In the coming months, you will experience meaningful change for our organization that will include a new name, a new logo, and a continued commitment to excellence, breakthroughs, and people-centric care.