Immune Deficiency Foundation Meets National Health Council Standards of Excellence

TOWSON, Md., Oct. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) is pleased to announce that the Foundation has met all of the requirements of the National Health Council (NHC) Standards of Excellence Certification Program^®.  The standards cover the areas of governance, human resources, programs, fundraising, finance, accounting, reporting and evaluation.

"IDF has always maintained high standards and implemented best practices while working to improve the lives of those living with primary immunodeficiency diseases through advocacy, education and research," said IDF President & Founder Marcia Boyle, "We are proud to become a member of the NHC to help raise awareness of rare and chronic diseases in a united voice."

NHC Chief Executive Officer Myrl Weinberg said, "We are delighted that IDF has joined the list of the nation's leading national patient advocacy organizations that meet the highest levels of transparency, accountability, and ethical practice." She explained the NHC's Standards of Excellence Certification Program^® goes beyond the requirements of many charity watchdog groups and is unique to the patient advocacy community. "By meeting these Standards, IDF assures the public that it is an organization patients can trust and is worthy of the public's support."

The National Health Council is made up of approximately 100 national health-related organizations and businesses. As a member, IDF will be able to work with other patient organizations and health care industry partners to bring attention to the needs of those living with rare and chronic diseases.

To learn more about the NHC, visit www.nationalhealthcouncil.org.

About The Immune Deficiency Foundation

The Immune Deficiency Foundation, founded in 1980, is the national non-profit patient organization dedicated to improving the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of persons with primary immunodeficiency diseases through advocacy, education and research.

There are approximately 250,000 people who have been diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency disease in the U.S. IDF provides programs, services and publications for patients and families as well as for healthcare professionals caring for those living with primary immunodeficiency diseases. IDF works to address patient needs through public policy programs by focusing on issues such as insurance reimbursement, patient confidentiality, ensuring safety and availability of immunoglobulin therapy, and maintaining and enhancing patient access to treatment options.

To learn more about IDF, visit www.primaryimmune.org, or call 800.296.4433.

SOURCE Immune Deficiency Foundation