When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955, most children did not live to attend elementary school. Today, the predicted median age of survival is more than 37 years, thanks—in large part—to the care provided though the national network of CF Foundation-accredited centers.
The network provides expert cystic fibrosis care for people living with the disease. In fact, the National Institutes of Health has cited the CF care center network as a model of effective and efficient health care delivery for a chronic disease.
The Foundation funds and accredits about 115 cystic fibrosis care centers nationwide. Most care centers have a pediatric and adult program or clinic. Some centers also include affiliate programs. All programs, however, are staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals who specialize in the treatment of cystic fibrosis.
Each center undergoes thorough review by the CF Foundation’s Center Committee before it receives accreditation and funding. This review for accreditation occurs every year.
Besides taking care of people with cystic fibroiss, care centers also participate in CF clinical research and work to educate healthcare professionals about CF and the care people living with the disease require. Data from people with CF is collected in the national CF Foundation Patient Registry, which is as a rich resource for your CF health care provider and CF researchers to track the health of people living with CF in the United States.
CF Care Centers
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Updated 12/16/08