Our Care Services
Our Chapter empowers people with ALS and their families by offering a wide variety of programs and services. Our services are often changing and expanding as we grow, so please check back often to make sure you are taking advantage of everything we have to offer.
A sampling of services provided free of charge:
Chapter Grant Program
The grant program assists families in North Carolina with expenses that are not traditionally covered by insurance such as private insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and other assistance programs. It will cover, but is not limited to: Respite Care Assistance, travel costs to ALS clinics and research, home modifications, auto modifications, communication devices, environmental controls and generators for invasive or non-invasive breathing assistance.
ALS Association Certified Centers and Clinics
Multidisciplinary ALS clinics are considered the "gold standard" of care. We are fortunate to have seven excellent clinics in North Carolina.
"Of all the things that we've ever found to fight ALS in 100 years of research, multidisciplinary clinics are the most powerful thing, and those only exist because of the charity of The ALS Association." -Richard Bedlack, MD, PhD
Equipment Loan Program
In partnership with Stalls Medical, The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter Equipment Loan Program houses, loans and accepts donations of seven types of durable medical equipment. The purpose of the program is to benefit those with no insurance, those unable to order their own power wheelchair, or those awaiting delivery of an ordered power wheelchair.
Support Groups
The ALS Association North Carolina Chapter holds support groups each month for persons with ALS, family and loved ones to provide support and to connect them with resources and individuals that can support them along their journeys.
In-Service Training
The Chapter's care services staff is available for professional in-services to nursing facilities, home healthcare agencies, hospice and palliative care organizations. Our in-services utilize PowerPoint/video presentations and discussion.
For information on how to arrange an in-service training, please contact Lily Cola
Caregiver Support
Caregiving is willingly undertaken out of love and devotion to the person with ALS and can be a source of great personal satisfaction. Yet, over time, caregiving exacts an enormous emotional toll, and can adversely affect the caregiver’s physical and psychological health, threatening their ability to continue providing care.
Care Services Team
Our Care Services Staff
Our staff of compasionate, experienced ALS professionals and Social Workers are available to help educate and support people living with ALS and their families. Our staff is available Monday through Friday to answer any questions you may have. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail us for more information.
Kara Cantoni, OTR/L
Vice President of Care Services and Advocacy
Email: kara@alsnc.org
Phone: 704-412-3777
Claudia Beirne
Director of Care Services Operations
Email: claudia@alsnc.org
Phone: 919-390-0125
Programs: Equipment Loan Program, North Carolina Chapter Grant, Support Groups
Alexandra Adams, BSW
Care Services Social Worker
Email: alex@alsnc.org
Phone: 336-757-2000
Clinics: Wake Forest Baptist ALS Clinic, Salisbury VA ALS Clinic
Lily Cola, MSW
Care Services Social Worker
Email: lcola@alsnc.org
Phone: 919-390-0120
Clinics: Duke ALS Clinic, UNC ALS Clinic
Joanna Nunez, MSW, LCAS, LCSW
Care Services Social Worker
Email: jnunez@alsnc.org
Phone: 910-390-0851
Clinics: New Hanover ALS Clinic, Vidant ALS Clinic
Alicia Richardson, MSW, LCSW
Care Services Social Worker
Email: alicia@alsnc.org
Phone: 919-390-0119
Clinic: Atrium Neuromuscular/ALS-MDA Center