MDA Headquarters to Remain in Tucson

TUCSON, Ariz., Jan. 4, 2002 — As a result of its feasibility study, the Muscular Dystrophy Association announced today that the organization will not relocate its national headquarters from Tucson.

MDA carefully studied all aspects of a relocation of its headquarters to the Los Angeles area, but determined that, despite significant advantages that a move would offer, remaining in Tucson best serves the Association's interests at this time. The Association had announced in September that it was considering the advantages offered by relocating its headquarters to Los Angeles.

Additionally, MDA officials said they were stirred by an outpouring of community support encouraging the Association to stay in Tucson, and a special effort made by Mayor Bob Walkup. Also instrumental were meetings and discussions with Pima County Supervisor Ann Day, Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry, and MDA National Vice Presidents Bob McMahon and Ginny Clements, both Tucson business leaders.

"While MDA is proud to remain an integral part of the Tucson community," Association President Robert Ross said, "it was incumbent upon us to consider the many advantages available to us in the Los Angeles area. Periodically, feasibility studies of the type we just completed must be undertaken to help assure the Association's continued growth."

MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases. The Association relocated its national headquarters from New York to Tucson in 1990. From its Tucson headquarters, MDA administers its nationwide network of outpatient clinics — including two clinics at the University Medical Center — a worldwide research program and more than 222 local offices across the country where Association staff manage MDA's many service programs.