The Northern Ohio Chapter of the ALS Association (ALSA) serves patients with ALS and their families by providing direct services and funding national medical research for a cure. ALSA manages a medical equipment loan bank which offers durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs, hospital beds and communication devices to ALS patients. ALSA provides specialized nursing consultation services to patients and families. ALSA has monthly support group meetings where patients and families can receive advice from clinical professionals and share resources. ALSA distributes current medical and disease management information. ALSA funds national medical research for a cure.