The National Psoriasis Foundation has been providing up to date information and a valuable community setting for people with all types of psoriasis since it was founded in 1966 (Portland, Oregon).  The NPF offers a variety of useful services including a newsletter with the latest studies and treatment options as well as an established system of message boards that people with psoriasis to talk about their experiences together.  This represents a huge network of resources, all spurred on by the efforts of this non-profit organization. The general goal of the National Psoriasis Foundation from the beginning until now has been to raise money for psoriasis research and, through a grass-roots effort, organize as many people as possible to into a world-wide support network.

Now serving over one million people afflicted with psoriasis, the National Psoriasis Foundation is currently dedicated to helping fund research for a cure for psoriasis. Their funding has been the driving force behind a great deal of the major advancements towards a cure in the past few decades. With an estimated 2% of the population in the USA alone suffering from psoriasis, this is truly an issue that requires attention. It is no wonder that the NPF’s research efforts have been widely applauded.

Directed by a Board of Trustees, the National Psoriasis Foundation is made up of a community of volunteers. Each trustee has an equal say in how the foundation is run and where the funding should go. In any case, benefitting all sufferers of psoriasis is their primary goal.  One of the requirements to be on the Board of Trustees is to experience the effects of psoriasis, either personally or through a loved one, so that compassion can be one of the driving forces behind their actions.  Any new developments are posted to their newsletter, which is sent out to members on a regular basis.

For those interested in learning more about the National Psoriasis Foundation and the goals they aspire to, their website (Psoriasis.org) is a good place to start. There is a host of helpful data both about the disease itself as well as where to go for additional information, including potential treatment options. There are also message boards on the site, which are a good resource for those with psoriasis or for those with loved ones who are afflicted.  This is an ideal place to learn more about others’ experiences and have valuable discussions about coping mechanisms and different treatments that have been helpful according to different people’s real world experience.