News and Events Press Releases

The latest news releases from the National Psoriasis Foundation on research developments into psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, National Psoriasis Foundation events for its members and the public and other relevant happenings.

National Psoriasis Foundation Leaps Forward in 2003 With Hundreds of New Medical Professional Members, an Expanded Medical Board, and CEO Named to a National Board

Hundreds of new professional members join
More than 750 nurses, nurse practitioners and physicians joined the Psoriasis Foundation as professional members in the first quarter of 2003�the largest influx in the Foundation's history. The Foundation offers professional members a large selection of patient education materials, a quarterly science and medicine publication, continuing medical education, and other services.

"We are thrilled to have so many new professional members," said Zimmerman. "There is a revolution in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis because of new therapies on the market and in development. The fact that so many dermatologists, rheumatologists and other health care professionals are tuning in to learn more about these treatments and diseases is wonderful."

Expanded Medical Board
The National Psoriasis Foundation also announced that its Medical Board, comprised of newly elected nationally recognized medical professionals, would exert greater influence in the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis community. These 21 leading dermatologists, rheumatologists and a nurse practitioner will advise the Foundation on technical and scientific matters, as well as: focus on insurance coverage for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments; educate other medical professionals on treatment options; promote drug development and approval; and establish health care policies relating to both diseases.

"We have assembled a top-notch team of dedicated medical professionals who will do everything within their power to move forward on research, treatment, communication, education, and leadership for this disease," said Mark Lebwohl, M.D., professor and chairman of the Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine of New York University and chairman-elect of the Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board.

Psoriasis Foundation CEO named to national board
The National Psoriasis Foundation's president and CEO, Gail Zimmerman, has been named to the National Health Council. The NHC is the governing body for national voluntary health agencies. It exists to promote the health of all people by advancing the voluntary health movement. Zimmerman will serve a three-year term on the board of directors.

"This is a great honor," said Zimmerman. "I have always admired and supported the work of this fine council. I look forward to being an active and enthusiastic member."

About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an immune disease that typically first strikes people between the ages of 15 and 35. Psoriasis occurs when faulty signals in the immune system cause skin cells to regenerate too quickly�every three to four days instead of the usual 30-day cycle. Extra skin cells build up on the skin's surface forming red, flaky, scaly patches called plaques that can itch, crack, and bleed, and are extremely painful. Psoriasis generally appears on the joints, limbs, and scalp but it can appear anywhere on the body, covering some people from head to toe. More than 4.5 million U.S. adults have psoriasis.

About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization fighting to improve the quality of life of people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and their families. It receives its support from public donations and companies interested in supporting the psoriasis community. Its mission is to educate people about these diseases and their treatments, raise public awareness, and support ongoing research. The organization is headquartered in Portland, Ore., and serves the millions of men, women, and children diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation at (800) 723-9166 or visit www.psoriasis.org.