The ALS Association announced a grant for Cooper University Health Care to establish a multidisciplinary ALS clinic at the Cooper Neurological Institute. The funding is part of a broader $3 million national initiative aimed at bringing specialized care to underserved and geographically isolated regions.
The award is particularly significant for New Jersey, as Southern New Jersey currently has no accessible ALS center. This new clinic will fill a critical void for patients in some of the state’s most economically challenged areas, providing life-extending care to residents who previously had to travel long distances for treatment.
The grant, a Hoffman ALS Clinic Development Award, supports the establishment of a new facility led by Dr. Joseph Campellone. The clinic will specifically target underserved populations, including those insured through NJ Medicaid and residents of rural Salem and Cumberland counties.
Multidisciplinary care—a team-based approach involving neurologists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, and social workers—is proven to extend survival and improve the quality of life for those living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
“We know that multidisciplinary care extends survival and improves quality of life – that’s not aspirational, that’s proven,” Jen Hjelle, chief community engagement officer at the ALS Association said. “These grants are how we close that gap – one clinic, one community at a time.”
The funding, which can reach up to $900,000 over three years for new clinic development, is designed to help Cooper University Health Care achieve the status of a Recognized Treatment Center or Certified Treatment Center of Excellence®.
By bringing these resources to Camden, the clinic aims to:
- Provide integrated, “one-stop” appointments for complex patient needs.
- Reduce the physical and financial burden of travel for South Jersey families.
- Increase access to local ALS research and clinical trials.
The grant program is made possible by a historic $58 million gift from the late Hugh Hoffman, the largest single donation ever made to an ALS organization. This funding is fueling a national infrastructure surge to ensure that the roughly 50% of people living with ALS who currently lack access to multidisciplinary care are no longer left behind.
As the Cooper Neurological Institute prepares to launch this dedicated service, the initiative stands as a major milestone in New Jersey’s healthcare landscape, ensuring that expert, life-sustaining care is available right in the heart of the community.
