The ALS Society of Alberta and Hotchkiss Brain Institute researchers launch BRANCH-ALS to ensure rural patients and caregivers shape the future of ALS care
CALGARY, AB — September 9, 2026 — The ALS Society of Alberta, in partnership with the research team in the Korngut lab at the University of Calgary’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute want rural Albertans living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their families to help shape the future of care in their communities.
The Society says people living with ALS in rural and remote communities face barriers that those in urban centres often do not: longer travel to specialized care, fewer local supports, and less access to research opportunities. Bridging Rural Access, Navigation, and Community Health (BRANCH-ALS) will document the real-world disease journey of patients and caregivers across the region through focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and local community events, and use what is learnt to inform clinical care, research priorities, digital health innovation, and advocacy.
“Every person living with ALS deserves equitable access to care and support, no matter where they call home. The ALS Society of Alberta is proud to support this important research because better solutions begin by listening to the people most affected by the disease. By better understanding the experiences, priorities, and challenges faced by those living with ALS in rural Southern Alberta, we can work together to improve care, inform future research, and advocate for services that reflect the real needs of our community,” says Leslie Ring Adams, Executive Director of the ALS Society of Alberta.
The BRANCH-ALS team will travel to communities across rural Southern Alberta to meet with patients and caregivers one-on-one and in small groups. Patient-partners are helping to shape both the content and coordination of the engagement sessions.
“BRANCH-ALS represents a collaborative opportunity between patients with ALS, the ALS Society of Alberta, clinicians and researchers to bridge the rural-urban gap in access to world class health care and research in ALS across Southern Alberta. We are excited to work together to improve the journey for everyone affected by ALS and establish a model for all Albertans and Canadians,” says Dr. Lawrence Korngut, MD, a neuromuscular neurologist, and professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary.
Korngut’s lab focuses on advancing understanding of neuromuscular diseases through research, engagement, and knowledge translation, with expertise in patient-centred engagement.
BRANCH-ALS was developed in collaboration with the ALS Society of Alberta and the Alberta ALS Research Network (AARN), with support from the Cal Wenzel Family Foundation through the Hotchkiss Brain Institute.
Albertans living with ALS and their caregivers who wish to participate can learn more by contacting…
About the ALS Society of Alberta
The ALS Society of Alberta is a non-profit organization supporting individuals and families living with ALS across the province. The Society maintains an active network of ALS patients and caregivers and advocates for improved access to care, supports, and quality of life.
About the Hotchkiss Brain Institute
The Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI) is home to more than 380 scientists and clinician-scientists dedicated to advancing brain and mental health research and education. Through interdisciplinary research, collaboration and innovation, HBI is working to deepen our understanding of the brain and nervous system, develop new approaches to prevent, diagnose and treat neurological and mental health conditions, and improve the lives of patients, families and communities. Learn more about the HBI.
Media Contacts
ALS Society of Alberta: Leslie Ring Adams, Executive Director leslie@alsab.ca 403-461-5116 Kelly Johnston, Media Relations, Cumming School of Medicine kelly.johnston2@ucalgary.ca 403-617-8691
