$3.5 Million for California ALS Wraparound Model of Care Secured in State Budget

Funding Preserves Lifeline for Californians Living with Lou Gehrig's Disease and Their Families

SACRAMENTO, CA - Assembly Democratic Caucus Chair Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) today announced that the California State Budget approved by the Legislature and sent to Governor Gavin Newsom includes $3.5 million in General Fund support for California's ALS Wraparound Model of Care, preserving a critical program that provides comprehensive care management and support services for Californians living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

Assemblymember Zbur, who chairs the California Rare Disease Caucus, championed the request for the continued investment during this year's budget process to ensure that Californians diagnosed with ALS continue to receive coordinated medical, community, and home-based services that have been shown to improve both quality of life and survival.

"An ALS diagnosis changes every aspect of a person's life in an instant, and no one should have to navigate that journey alone," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "This funding ensures that Californians living with ALS and their families will continue to have access to the coordinated care, expert guidance, and support services they need during one of the most difficult experiences imaginable."

California is home to more people living with ALS than any other state. The progressive neurodegenerative disease gradually robs individuals of the ability to move, speak, swallow, and breathe, with most patients living only two to five years after diagnosis. There is currently no cure.

Delivered through the ALS Network, California's evidence-based Wraparound Model of Care integrates multidisciplinary medical care, care management, social work, home-based services, caregiver support, and opportunities to participate in clinical research. The program is built on the principle that comprehensive, coordinated care can help people with ALS live longer and with a better quality of life.

"As California's population ages, the need for ALS services will only continue to grow," Zbur said. "This investment recognizes that caring for people with ALS requires more than medical treatment alone-it requires a coordinated network of support for patients, caregivers, and families. I'm proud to have fought to preserve this vital program and the dignity, compassion, and hope it provides."

"Funding included in this year's state budget ensures that California's ALS Wraparound Model of Care can continue without interruption, providing people living with ALS and their families access to comprehensive care, support, and resources when they need them most," said Sheri Strahl, MPH, MBA, President & CEO, ALS Network. "This proven model helps improve quality of life, reduce barriers to care, and support some of California's most vulnerable residents as they navigate an incredibly challenging disease. We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Zbur, our champions in both the Assembly and Senate, and the Governor for their continued commitment to the ALS community."

"For families living with ALS, every day matters. This funding ensures that California's ALS Wraparound Model of Care can continue providing critical support, resources, and services that help people navigate this devastating disease with dignity and access the care they need," said Melanie Lendnal, Senior Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, The ALS Association. "It allows families to spend less time overcoming barriers and more time focusing on what matters most-being together. We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Zbur and the members of the Assembly and Senate for their commitment to California's ALS community."

The funding continues California's longstanding commitment to the ALS Wraparound Model of Care, which has received state support since 2018 and serves thousands of Californians through an integrated system of medical and community-based care.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur serves as the Democratic Caucus Chair for the California State Assembly and represents the 51st Assembly District, which includes Universal City, Hollywood, Hancock Park, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and other portions of Los Angeles.

CONTACT: Vienna Montague, (916) 319-2051, [email protected]