About National Patient Advocate Foundation

The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) is the advocacy affiliate of the Patient Advocate Foundation. We are dedicated to improving health care access, quality and affordability through policies, programs and practices that optimize the experience and outcomes for patients and caregivers.  We bring the patient voice to the forefront by articulating powerful individual stories and the collective needs of the community.

About NPAF

National Patient Advocate Foundation is a 501(c)4 organization with headquarters in Washington DC.  NPAF's staff and volunteers work at the local, state and national level to promote access to affordable, quality health care for people with chronic, debilitating or life-threatening illnesses. NPAF provides important thought leadership in developing policies to support our mission, working with other organizations to advocate for health care policies and collaborating with community partners to advance person-centered care and an equitable health care system for all Americans.

A Brief History

Nancy Davenport-Ennis founded both NPAF and PAF in 1994 following the death of her friend Cheryl Grimmel from breast cancer. Cheryl’s death inspired Nancy and her husband Jack to begin the two organizations, one to provide direct services to patients and help them navigate the health care system and the other to work to improve the health care system.

NPAF is deeply committed to partnerships with other advocacy groups and community-based organizations to develop programs that improve the quality and access to health care for all patients.

What's the Difference Between NPAF and PAF?

PAF is a national 501(c)3 organization that provides direct case management services and financial assistance to patients and caregivers. These include helping people navigate the health care system, working with health care providers, payers and employers to assure that patients have access to affordable care, financial and co-pay assistance and teaching self-advocacy to patients and caregivers.

NPAF advocates for health system reforms that serve to protect patient rights, preserve access to quality care and advance person-centered care. NPAF does not provide direct patient services, but does work closely with our volunteers, advocates and partners on specific issues to assure that the patient voice is heard and that it matters.

Connect with NPAF

 For more information about National Patient Advocate Foundation, its mission and work, go to www.npaf.org.