FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The National Pancreas Foundation Announces the Designation of Six Additional NPF Centers of Excellence
BETHESDA, MD – February 23, 2021 – The National Pancreas Foundation (NPF), a nonprofit organization that provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, announces the designation of six additional National Pancreas Foundation Centers, five for treating pancreatic cancer and one for treating pancreatitis. There are currently fifty-nine approved Centers for treating pancreatic cancer and sixty-four for pancreatitis. There were also four renewals from current NPF Centers. NPF Centers are at premier healthcare facilities that focus on multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatitis, treating the “whole patient” with a focus on the best possible outcomes and an improved quality of life.
There are inconsistencies in the level of care they receive for people coping with pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. The NPF Centers designation will help facilitate the development of high-quality, multidisciplinary care approaches for the field. Designated centers will also seek to advance research and lead the way for heightened awareness and understanding of pancreatitis and related conditions among community physicians, allied health professionals, patients, families, and the general public.
Approved NPF Centers underwent an extensive auditing process and met the criteria developed by a task force composed of subject matter experts and patient advocates. In the new NPF Center of Excellence program, institutions can now apply to be a Clinical Center of Excellence or a Clinical Center and an Academic Center of Excellence for pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, as well as pediatric pancreatitis – a recent addition. Clinical Centers of Excellence include required expert physician specialties such as gastroenterologists, pancreas surgeons, and interventional radiologists, along with more patient-focused programs such as a pain management service, psychosocial support, and more. Academic Centers are institutions that fulfill the clinical need but also have a focus on research, clinical trials, training opportunities for young physicians, and advanced clinical care. For a full listing of approved Centers, please visit the NPF website at www.pancreasfoundation.org.
“We are thrilled to expand our NPF Centers of Excellence Program to better serve the needs of patients suffering from pancreas disease,” said David Bakelman, CEO of the National Pancreas Foundation. “The NPF Centers of Excellence Program is one of the pillars of NPF, and we are looking forward to working with our current and new Centers.”
For more information about the National Pancreas Foundation, please visit www.pancreasfoundation.org.
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The six additional designated NPF Centers of Excellence:
Academic and Clinical Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer
University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center
University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center/Tate Cancer Center
West Virginia University Medicine
Clinical Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer
Cleveland Clinic Florida
Capital Health
Clinical Center of Excellence for Pancreatitis
West Virginia University Medicine
The four NPF Centers of Excellence renewals:
Academic and Clinical Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
The LifespanCancer Institute at Rhode Island Hospital
Clinical Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer
Aurora Health Care
Academic and Clinical Pediatric Center of Excellence for Pancreatitis
Massachusetts General Hospital for Children/Harvard Medical School
About The National Pancreas Foundation
Founded in 1997, the National Pancreas Foundation provides hope for those suffering from pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer through funding cutting-edge research, advocating for new and better therapies, and providing support and education for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The NPF is the only foundation dedicated to patients suffering from all forms of pancreas disease. For more information, visit: www.pancreasfoundation.org.
Media Contacts
David Bakelman, CEO, National Pancreas Foundation: EMAIL