Both David and his wife, Jodi, are Air Force veterans. Now Jodi serves as David's caregiver, as he was diagnosed with ALS when he was 32. Read more here.
Did you know that military veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with ALS? Because of dollars given to The ALS Association Mid-America Chapter through Community Health Charities of Nebraska, veterans who have been diagnosed with ALS and their families have access to the support they need. Here’s how.
What kind of programs do you offer to help support veterans and their families?
In addition to all of our programs and services, we provide the following programs for veterans:
- New client outreach and education
- The ALS Association Certified Center of Excellence in partnership with Nebraska Medicine
- Information and education on equipment, home adaptation and speech generating devices
- Family support to caregivers and family members
We also provide services specific to veterans, due to ALS being a service-connected disease. Because of the connection, we offer guidance to veterans on accessing all the benefits available to them. Click here for additional information for veterans regarding the benefits, how to apply for benefits and other questions
Why is this programming important to the clients you serve?
Military veterans are as much as twice as likely to die of ALS than the general population, particularly among Air Force veterans. With the proximity of Offutt Air Force Base, it is of particular importance for us to be available to assist our military veterans.
Why did you start providing these services?
We have always served veterans, but in 2008, The ALS Association worked closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish ALS as a presumptively compensable illness for all veterans with 90 days or more of continuously active service in the military. According to “ALS in the Military - Unexpected Consequences of Military Service” from February 2013: "Military veterans, regardless of the branch of service, regardless of the era in which they served, and regardless of whether they served during a time of peace or a time of war, are at a greater risk of dying from ALS than if they had not served in the military."
What is the impact of this program across the state?
Military veterans who fought to protect our freedom, and then came home to fight another battle – ALS – now need our help. The ALS Association is proud to be fighting with our veterans to fight ALS.
How do donors to CHC-NE help support this program?
The Association works with our military veterans to track and update our clients on any changes to the benefits available to veterans and their families. We partner with the Paralyzed Veterans of America to assist veterans navigate the maze of paperwork and processes necessary to receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Dollars donated to CHE-NE provide these services and more to veterans battling ALS.