Become a Member
It is the diversity of the NHC's more than 140 members that enables us to create a collaborative environment and put forward consensus public policy solutions that keep the patient central to all we do.
The National Health Council is made up of more than 140 national health-related organizations, divided into five membership categories:
Voluntary Health Agencies (VHAs) are defined as 501(c)(3) organizations composed of individuals, both lay and professional, voluntarily and democratically organized. Their mission is to combat a particular disease, disability, or group of diseases and disabilities, or to improve and protect the health of a particular group of people. They receive a substantial amount of financial support from voluntary contributions from the public at large. They engage in programs, such as research, education, advocacy, and service to individuals and communities.
Patient advocacy groups must meet the National Health Council minimum Standards of Excellence to be accepted into membership.
Professional associations are health-related organizations consisting primarily of individuals, or of state and local groups of individuals, meeting stated qualifications of training or experience. Other membership associations are health-related associations of individuals or institutions, including alliances and coalitions. Members of this category are expected to demonstrate a broad base of funding either from many individuals or multiple institutions.
Nonprofit Organizations with an Interest in Health are organizations engaged in or concerned with health issues that support the mission of the National Health Council.
Business and Industry members are for-profit companies engaged in the sale of health-related products or services, such as pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies. This category includes any subsidiaries or related entities, such as foundations, affiliated with an organization that would otherwise be classified as a Business and Industry member.
Associate Members are organizations that are considered to be primarily vendors. Associate Members have all member privileges, except they are not allowed to be represented on the NHC’s Board of Directors or Nominating Committee and cannot vote at meetings of the entire membership.
To be eligible for membership in the National Health Council, all organizations must meet the following criteria:
- The organization is national in scope.
- The organization has been in operation for more than three years.