The ALS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center has officially achieved national recognition as an ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence™, marking a major milestone for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) care in the region.
The prestigious designation honors the program’s unwavering commitment to delivering outstanding, multidisciplinary care while advancing critical research in the fight against the progressive neurodegenerative disease.
Often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, progressively robbing individuals of their muscle control and impacting their ability to move, speak, eat, and breathe. While there is currently no cure, comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment has been proven to enhance patients’ quality of life and extend survival.
The ALS Association’s certification confirms that the center meets the highest national standards. The program unites a dedicated team of specialists—including neurologists, palliative care experts, nurses, therapists, and researchers—under one roof to offer a seamless, supportive environment for patients and their families.
“This recognition is the culmination of a seven-year effort to build a state-of-the-art, patient-centered ALS Center,” Dr. Florian Thomas, co-director of the ALS Center and founding chair and professor of neurology at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Hackensack University Medical Center, said.
Dr. Robert Connors, co-director of the center and assistant professor of neurology, echoed that sentiment: “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.”
Specialized care centers are becoming increasingly critical. Driven largely by an aging population, the number of people living with ALS in the United States is projected to grow from approximately 33,000 to over 36,000 by 2030. At the same time, ongoing scientific research continues to explore genetic components and environmental links, such as pollutant exposure.
“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,” Dr. Lisa Tank, president and chief hospital executive at Hackensack University Medical Center, said. “This designation provides our community with the assurance that they have access to the highest level of care, right here in New Jersey.”
With this new certification, the ALS Center at Hackensack University Medical Center becomes the second facility within the Hackensack Meridian Health network to earn the distinction, joining Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
By integrating the latest scientific insights into everyday clinical care and actively participating in trials, the center stands as a beacon of hope for individuals and families navigating ALS—improving life today while striving for a cure tomorrow.
