Neurosciences, Spectrum Health West Michigan

Spectrum Health Designated ALS Center of Excellence

Grand Rapids, Mich., Feb. 26, 2018 – The ALS Association has named Spectrum Health a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence Program, determining the Spectrum Health ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic meets the highest national standards of care in the management of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease for which there is no cure.

Since 1998, the ALS Association’s national network of Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence has provided evidence-based, multidisciplinary ALS care and services. Each ALS Center of Excellence must successfully complete a robust clinical and administrative review that confirms its standards of quality and implementation of best practices. There are 58 certified ALS Centers of Excellence nationwide.

“Spectrum Health’s multidisciplinary approach pulls together doctors, therapists, dietitians and other health care providers to develop a comprehensive and individualized treatment plan for each patient,” said Paul Twydell, DO, Spectrum Health’s director of neuromuscular medicine. “I’m hopeful that our approach and continued focus on ALS will result in better and more enriching lives for those who are forced to live with this terrible disease.”

Last fall, the Spectrum Health ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic also was among the first in the country to prescribe a new FDA-approved drug that had slowed the progression of the disease in certain patients who participated in a research study.

Research has shown that multidisciplinary care helps people with ALS maintain a better quality of life and, in most cases, actually prolongs life.

“The care the people receive at Spectrum Health is a model for other parts of the country and I’m proud that we are able to recognize Spectrum Health for its outstanding multidisciplinary approach to treating people with this devastating disease,” said Tyler MacEachran, executive director of the ALS Association Michigan Chapter.

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The ALS Association Michigan Chapter is the only non-profit organization fighting ALS on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people living with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified and recognized treatment centers, and fostering government partnerships, the ALS Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure.

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 60,000+ dedicated people—including more than 11,500 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,000 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

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