The National Psoriasis Foundation www.psoriasis.org is the United States? leading patient-driven, nonprofit advocacy organization that serves the estimated 7.5 million Americans affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Originally founded in 1967 as the Psoriasis Society of Oregon by Beverly Foster, a Portland, Ore., resident who suffered from severe psoriasis, the National Psoriasis Foundation changed its name and received its charter in October 1968.

Today, members, staff and volunteers carry out the National Psoriasis Foundation?s mission: Improve the quality of life of people who have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Through education and advocacy, the National Psoriasis Foundation promotes awareness and understanding, ensures access to treatment and supports research that will lead to effective management and, ultimately, a cure.

The organization focuses on three areas: advocacy, education and research.

Advocacy

The Psoriasis Foundation?s advocacy department works to educate legislators, lobby for increased psoriasis research federal investment, and expand and improve private and public insurance coverage for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Education

The National Psoriasis Foundation offers numerous ways information about psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be obtained, including informational materials, an award-winning Web site, community education meetings, messages boards, affiliated support groups, and access to health educators through e-mail and a toll-free phone number.

Research

The National Psoriasis Foundation partners with medical and scientific communities to support research toward new psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments. Since 1975, the Psoriasis Foundation has awarded nearly $5 million in grants supporting promising psoriasis research programs. The National Psoriasis Foundation also conducts patient surveys to illustrate the impact psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has on a person?s daily life. This information is used to educate a variety of audiences, including medical professionals, legislators, insurers, media and the public.

Funding

Psoriasis Foundation programs are sustained through the support of psoriasis patients, their families, friends and medical providers. Corporations and foundations also fund the education, advocacy and research programs which help provide the information and tools people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis need.

Headquarters

The National Psoriasis Foundation is headquartered and has its only office in Portland, Ore.

External links

• National Psoriasis Foundation website