2018 Annual Report

Putting Patients First

The National Health Council (NHC) is the only organization that brings together all segments of the health community to provide a united voice for the more than 160 million people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers. Made up of more than 125 national health-related organizations and businesses, the NHC's core membership includes the nation’s leading patient advocacy organizations, which control its governance and policy-making process. The following annual report provides details on that work. For more information about the NHC and work, please visit our website.

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Our Mission

The mission of the National Health Council is to provide a united voice for people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers.

Our Members

Made up of more than 125 national, health-related organizations and businesses, the NHC's core membership includes the nation’s leading patient advocacy organizations, which control its governance and policy-making process. Other members include health-related associations and nonprofit organizations including the provider, research and family caregiver communities and businesses representing biopharmaceutical, device, diagnostic, generic, and payer organizations.

Advocacy Accomplishments

Defended access protections for people with chronic diseases and disabilities.
FDA included NHC recommended language in patient-focused drug development (PFDD) guidance documents.
Convened a roundtable Dialogue on Value Assessment with patient organizations and value assessors, resulting in a white paper, and secured a PCORI grant to increase patient organizational capacity in value assessment.
Developed and released guidelines for sponsor-patient interactions.
The President’s Drug Pricing Blueprint included several NHC recommendations related to improved competition, transparency, and value-based contracts.

160m

people with chronic conditions

We serve the more than 160 million people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers.

125

NHC Members

Recruited 24 new members to reach a record number of 125 NHC members.

45

networking and engagement opportunities

including listening sessions, conferences, roundtables, issue teams, and affinity group meetings.

Shaping the Environment

The NHC occupies a unique position in the health care ecosystem. Through our diverse membership, the NHC speaks with authority on many systemic health care issues, providing a unified voice for patients with chronic conditions and their family caregivers.

Patient-Focused Programming

The NHC presented at meetings and conferences worldwide on patient-focused topics such as:

• Clinical Outcome Assessments

• Real-World Evidence

• Value

• Quality

• Patient-Focused Medical Product Development

Standards of Excellence

The National Health Council (NHC) demands the highest standards of accountability and ethical practice from its patient advocacy group members, also known as voluntary health agencies, to assure the public that these organizations are worthy of support. Each of the NHC’s patient advocacy organization members must meet the NHC Standards of Excellence Certification Program® to retain good membership standing.

Media Presence

On behalf of the patient community, the NHC was quoted in a variety of top-tier news organizations including STAT News, The Washington Post, Morning Consult, Circa/Sinclair Broadcasting, The Washington Times, Huffington Post, and Modern Healthcare.

NHC Marquee Events

The NHC hosts several marquee meetings and conferences each year so that members can learn from and network with each other and top health care policy experts, including:

• Health Leadership Conference

• Chief Medical and Science Officers Conference

• Washington Representatives Retreat

February 2018

“Awesome first experience, I’ll be back and will demand at least 1-2 board members join me.”

– 2018 NHC Health Leadership Conference Attendee

Our Leadership

We are governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of representatives from our various membership categories. Board members set the strategic direction and establish policy to guide the NHC in meeting its mission to provide a united voice for people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers.

Finances

Each summer, the NHC posts its IRS Form 990 on the About the NHC page of our website.

The NHC is funded through a combination of member dues, sponsorships, and grants. All sponsors are disclosed on our website.

Find the audited financial statement for fiscal year 2018 here.

2019-2021 Strategic Plan

Looking ahead to next year and the launch of our 2019-2021 Strategic Plan, the National Health Council will:

Policy

Promote increased access to affordable, high-value, sustainable health care

Membership

Grow an engaged, patient-centered, multi-stakeholder membership that is representative of the health ecosystem.

Communications

Enhance brand awareness and engagement among key audiences.