PORTLAND, Ore., Feb. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) celebrates 50 years of patient support, advocacy, research funding, education and outreach to the more than 8 million individuals living with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Originally formed in 1966 as The Psoriasis Society of Oregon, and officially becoming the National Psoriasis Foundation in 1967, its mission is focused on driving efforts to cure psoriatic disease and dramatically improving the lives of those affected.

Throughout its first 50 years, NPF has made significant contributions in advancing the research of life-changing treatments that have helped millions of people. From the tar-based procedures and topical creams to the revolutionary biologic treatments that exist today, NPF has always supported innovative approaches to treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. While these achievements are to be celebrated, there is still much work to be done to improve access to treatments and, ultimately, to find a cure.

"We have only scratched the surface of what could be possible in treatingand ultimately curingpsoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Advancements in psoriatic disease research are happening all the time, and NPF remains committed to funding this research while offering programs and services that support even more patients," said Dr. Colby Evans, M.D., National Psoriasis Foundation board chair. "I am honored to be associated with an organization that has always been at the forefront of driving efforts to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis."

NPF has achieved many milestones over the past 50 years, including securing for the first time ever, line-item funding in a federal budget for skin disease research, successfully lobbying the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for the approval of methotrexate for the treatment of severe psoriasis and opening the world's first support center providing free personalized assistance for people with psoriatic disease. Most recently, members of the NPF Medical Board issued the first paper in the United States that outlines psoriasis treatment targets and goals for individuals and health care providers to work on together to achieve clear skin and ultimately reduce the burden of the disease.

"NPF has been a pioneer in supporting research efforts that have led to the groundbreaking treatments used today," said Randy Beranek, president and CEO of the National Psoriasis Foundation. "During our 50th year, we are excited to recognize the people and milestones that have contributed so much to the psoriatic disease community, and remain committed to supporting research efforts towards finding a cure and dramatically improving the health outcomes of all affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis."

In remaining true to its mission, the theme of the NPF 50th Year Celebration is "Driving Discovery, Creating Community." This allows the Foundation to celebrate the achievements of the past 50 years and to recognize the individuals and milestones that have made significant contributions to the psoriatic disease community. To recognize its 50th year, NPF will be holding events throughout the year, starting with a formal celebration on June 8, 2017, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, and followed by the National Volunteer Conference and Research Symposium August 4 6, 2017 in Chicago, IL, as well as various TeamNPF events across the country.

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During this year of celebration, NPF is committed to raising $2 million to fund several promising areas of research and programing, specifically early career research. Supporting the NPF 50th year campaign will ensure that researchers studying psoriatic disease will have the resources needed to turn their questions and theories into a cure.

To learn more about the NPF 50th Year Celebration and how to get involved, visit: https://www.psoriasis.org/NPF50th.

Over the last 50 years, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) has become the world's leading nonprofit patient advocacy organization fighting for individuals with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. NPF leads this fight by driving efforts for a cure and improving the lives of the more than 8 million Americans affected by this chronic disease. To date, NPF has funded more than $15 million in research grants and fellowships, and to commemorate 50 years, NPF plans to raise an additional $2 million for early scientific career research programs in 2017 alone. Each year, NPF strives to support, educate and advocate on behalf of more individuals living with or caring for someone with the disease than ever before. As part of that effort, NPF established the Patient Navigation Center to offer personalized assistance to everyone with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Join our community today and help drive discovery and create community for all living with psoriatic disease.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-psoriasis-foundation-celebrates-50-years-of-patient-support-advocacy-research-education-and-outreach-300414766.html

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