Draft:ALS Network

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Draft:ALS Network
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ALS Network
Founded1991
TypeNonprofit organization
Legal status501(c)(3)
HeadquartersWoodland Hills, California, U.S.
Staff~60 (2024)[1]
Websitealsnetwork.org
Formerly called
The ALS Association Golden West Chapter/ALS Golden West

The ALS Network (previously named the ALS Association Golden West Chapter and briefly named ALS Golden West) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in the United States focused on services for people  living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), funding ALS research, and supporting public policy related to the disease. The organization was founded in 1991 as the Golden West Chapter of the ALS Association and became independent in 2023, after which they adopted the name ALS Network in 2024. The organization operates across California, Hawaii, and beyond.[3]

ALS Network states that its mission is "to partner with the ALS community as we drive the discovery of prevention strategies, treatments, and cures for ALS; provide access to quality care and connection; and promote initiatives to improve health outcomes."[4]

History

Founding and chapter era

  • The organization was established as the Golden West Chapter of the ALS Association in the early 1990s, where it operated ALS-related support programs within its service area in California.
  • In 2014, the organization expanded its service area to the state of Hawaii.[5]
  • On September 1, 2023, the Golden West Chapter formally separated from the ALS Association and subsequently joined ALS United, a network of 15 independent ALS organizations.[6]
  • Following the separation, the organization expanded its operations beyond its former chapter service area with an emphasis on California and Hawaii. Through its affiliation with ALS United, the ALS Network is a member of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations.
  • In 2024, the organization rebranded as the ALS Network.[7]

Integrations

  • In 2026, multiple entities integrated with the ALS Network, expanding the organization’s national and global reach and impact.
    • February 11, 2026: ALS ONE and the ALS Network announced an organizational integration.[8]
    • February 24, 2026: The ALS Network announced that ALStogether, an online Slack community founded by ALS advocate Brooke Eby, became part of the ALS Network.[9]

Leadership and Governance

Executive leadership[10]

  • President & CEO: Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO): Mike Kallhoff, MM
  • Executive Vice President, Mission Advancement: Cherryl Fluke, JD
  • Vice President, Marketing & Communications: Eric Beikmann
  • Vice President, Community Outreach: Asher Garfinkel
  • Vice President, Care Services: Steve Goclowski, LCSW

Services & Programs

Care management and support services

ALS Network provides care management to individuals with ALS and their families, often in collaboration with ALS specialty clinics, with services provided at no cost to people living with ALS and caregivers. Care managers support medical referrals, equipment loans, insurance navigation, home safety assessments, psychosocial support, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

The care program includes access to various ALS multidisciplinary treatment centers and affiliated clinics, and coordinates monthly Connect, Support, Chat groups for specific communities.[11]

Research funding and grantmaking

ALS Network funds ALS research with an emphasis on innovative and community-informed projects. In 2024 and 2025, the organization established a Scientific Advisory Committee and a Community Research Committee. They have also launched various drug-repurposing initiatives with academic and national lab partner.

Each January, the ALS Network hosts an annual webinar highlighting outcomes of the year's ALS Network Research Summit, which includes scientific presentations and discussions related to ALS research, presented by participants from California, Hawaii, the U.S., and beyond.[12]

Advocacy, awareness, and public events

The organization participates in local, state, and federal advocacy efforts related to ALS research funding, healthcare access, and disability policy.[13]

Each May, the organization celebrates ALS Awareness Month in collaboration with local government offices. In 2025, ALS Awareness Month proclamations were signed by: California Governor Newsom, Thousand Oaks Mayor David Newman, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Hawaii County Mayor Kimo Alameda, and Maui Mayor Richard Bissen.[14]

Throughout the years, the ALS Network has supported legislation related to ALS research, caregiving, veterans’ benefits, and healthcare access, including:[15][16]

  • CA AB 424: ALS/Neurodegenerative Disease Registry
  • CA AB 511: California ALS Research Network Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund
  • HI HB701: Family Caregiver Tax Credit
  • H.R.1685/S749: Justice for ALS Veterans
  • HR2036/S. 925: Credit for Caring Act of 2025
  • S.1261: CONNECT for Health Act
  • H.R.5663/S.3258: ALS Better Care Act
  • H.R. 8371/S.141: Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act
  • H.R. 9233: The Bipartisan Healthy Brains Act

Community Outreach

ALS Network hosts community awareness and peer-to-peer fundraising events in key areas throughout the nation in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and more, with events including the Walk & Roll to Cure ALS and endurance events.

Recognitions

Ratings and Accreditation

  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance Accreditation[17]
  • Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency[18]
  • Charity Navigator: Four-Star Rating; overall score of 100/100, including beacons for Accountability & Finance, Leadership & Adaptability, and Culture & Community.[19]

References

  1. ^ "ALS Network (formerly ALS Association Golden West Chapter)". Cause IQ. Retrieved 2026-07-01.
  2. ^ Alvarez, Nathan (2024-01-31). "Welcoming Our New President & CEO". ALS Network. Retrieved 2026-07-01.
  3. ^ CDC (2026-03-10). "Organizations that Support People Living with ALS". National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  4. ^ "ALS Network, formerly ALS Golden West - National Organization for Rare Disorders". 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2026-06-15.
  5. ^ "ALS Network (formerly ALS Association Golden West Chapter)". Cause IQ. Retrieved 2026-07-01.
  6. ^ Alvarez, Nathan (2023-07-06). "A special announcement from Golden West leadership". ALS Network. Retrieved 2026-07-01.
  7. ^ "A Full Service Branding and Digital Agency | Lewis". www.lewiscommunications.com. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  8. ^ Network, A. L. S. "ALS ONE and the ALS Network Align to Scale ALS Research and Technology Impact Nationwide". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  9. ^ Martin, Vanessa (2026-02-24). "ALS Network Welcomes ALStogether Slack Community, Expanding Digital Support and National Reach | ALS Network". ALS Network. Retrieved 2026-04-02.
  10. ^ Network, A. L. S. "ALS Network Welcomes New President and CEO". www.prnewswire.com (Press release). Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  11. ^ "ALS Network". BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org). Retrieved 2026-07-01.
  12. ^ "Annual Meeting". WALS. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  13. ^ CDC (2026-03-10). "Organizations that Support People Living with ALS". National Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Registry. Retrieved 2026-05-14.
  14. ^ Liu, Eileen (2025-05-23). "ALS Community Joins Together for ALS Awareness Month | ALS Network". ALS Network. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
  15. ^ "Public Policy Priorities | ALS Network". ALS Network. 2022-08-31. Retrieved 2025-11-25.
  16. ^ "ALS Network | ALS News Today". alsnewstoday.com. Retrieved 2026-06-16.
  17. ^ "ALS Network". BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org). Retrieved 2026-07-01.
  18. ^ "ALS Network (formerly ALS Golden West)". GuideStar. Retrieved 2026-07-01.
  19. ^ "ALS Network". Charity Navigator. Retrieved 2026-07-01.

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