10-01-2024 8:18pm

Premier Health and ALS United Ohio Celebrate 10 Years of ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ with New ALS Clinic Launch

Beth Callahan Editor

SUBMITTED STORY AND PHOTO CREDIT: PREMIER HELATH

Premier Health and ALS United Ohio commemorated the 10th anniversary of the viral Ice Bucket Challenge with a special event on Sept. 20. The celebration took place at Miami Valley Hospital South in Centerville and marked the grand opening of a new Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute, scheduled to see its first patients in October.

MIDDLETOWN, OH -- Premier Health and ALS United Ohio commemorated the 10th anniversary of the viral Ice Bucket Challenge with a special event on Sept. 20. The celebration took place at Miami Valley Hospital South in Centerville and marked the grand opening of a new Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute, scheduled to see its first patients in October.

The Ice Bucket Challenge, which took social media by storm a decade ago, raised unprecedented awareness and funds for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research and patient care. The Sept. 20 event celebrated the impact of the challenge while ushering in a new era of integrated care for ALS patients through the launch of Premier Health’s multidisciplinary ALS Clinic, which is the first of its kind in the Dayton area.

ALS United Ohio invested $163,000 to fund the creation of this new ALS Clinic at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute, which is designed to enhance the quality of care for ALS patients by providing comprehensive services under one roof in a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere.

In addition to improving patient quality of life, studies have shown that attending an ALS clinic on a regular basis can extend life by one year or more. The clinic will feature a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including a fellowship-trained neuromuscular physician, neurologic advanced practice providers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, dieticians, respiratory therapists, social workers, and nurse case managers. An ALS United Ohio social worker will also serve as a consistent member of this team, working directly with patients and connecting them with organizational resources.

Patients will benefit from a streamlined approach to care, seeing all necessary providers during a single visit. This innovative model reduces the need for multiple appointments, thereby minimizing the burden on both patients and their caregivers.

“By integrating our services in this way, we’re not just offering a new clinic, we’re providing a more compassionate and efficient approach to ALS care,” said Adam Deardorff, MD, PhD, Director of the Neuromuscular Center at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute and Medical Director of the Multidisciplinary ALS Clinic at Premier Health. “The Ice Bucket Challenge played a crucial role in raising awareness for ALS, and this new clinic represents our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those affected by this challenging disease.”

ALS United Ohio, a leading advocate for ALS research and patient support, is proud to partner with Premier Health in this initiative. “The opening of the ALS Clinic is a testament to the progress we've made since the Ice Bucket Challenge began,” said Marlin K. Seymour, President & CEO of ALS United Ohio. “We’re proud to fund this essential clinic and excited to see the positive impact these new services will have on patients and their families in the greater Dayton area.”

To schedule an appointment at the ALS Clinic, please call (937) 438-7500.