Dr. Diana Zuckerman and her colleagues at the National Center for Health Research (NCHR) have done an exemplary job of educating the general public and federal, state, and local officials about the human and planetary health hazards associated with artificial turf and synthetic playground surfaces. In addition to writing a letter to town council and board of education members in my community, Dr. Zuckerman also wrote an opinion piece for a local news outlet to help raise awareness amongst residents as well. These efforts by Dr. Zuckerman and NCHR were instrumental in preventing the installation of a six-acre artificial turf athletic field at a local middle school.
Thankfully there is an organization that truly represents the health care consumer. Under Diana Zuckerman's outstanding leadership, NCHR lobbies and spreads the word about issues related to health care that make a difference to all of us. In addition, their individual support is priceless.
The NCHR is our go to source for up to date information about prescription drugs and treatments. We hold the deepest respect for the work that Diana Zuckerman and her staff do to educate and advocate for safe medicines and treatments. Their commitment to honest information and a deep understanding of health issues for all people really sets them apart.
NCHR does amazing work to provide clear, unbiased health information to the public. What I love most is their commitment to independence—they don’t take money from companies that make the products they evaluate, so you know you can trust their findings. focus on turning scientific research into practical advice and policies that improve our health and safety. It’s a great resource for anyone who wants reliable health information without hidden agendas. Their commitment to evidence-based advocacy and public education makes them a trustworthy resource for individuals seeking reliable health information. Subscribe to their free newsletter. It is fabulous!
Sometimes it is difficult to interrupt medical information - whether from a physician, researcher, or other. The National Center for Health Research helps one understand best overall preventions, therapies, and prognoses - in a manner that does not alarm, but also in a manner that is factual. My family has been helped on several occasions, and we are extremely grateful to Dr. Diana Zuckerman and her entire team. Photo is of my husband recovering from several strokes, our daughter, and a companion animal who inspired healing too!
The National Center for Health Research is a powerful advocate on behalf of protecting and supporting both the health of individuals and the public at large. Its advocacy is especially important and effective with regard to decisions being made by the Food and Drug Administration where it is recognized as one of the most effective voices for protecting patient safety around drugs, biologics and medical devices. Over time, NCHR has applied its science-based and authoritative voice to a range of health and medical issues, but it is especially well-known for its work in cancer prevention and treatment, where its efforts extend to helping individuals seeking scientific information and support. As a public health professional, I saw just how important and influential NCHR was and continues to be.
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NCHR is small in size, but mighty in reach and influence. A fiercely independent voice on behalf of a range of health concerns, NCHR is primarily known for its focus and expertise on all things FDA-related, including drug and device safety. Thoughtful, thorough, and passionate in its research and advocacy, NCHR has earned its status as a respected and influential voice seeking to inform and protect consumers and shape public policies. While especially known for its leadership around cancer prevention and treatment, NCHR often is on the cutting edge of emerging issues, most recently including COVID.
For over five years, we have partnered with the National Center for Health Research (NCHR) on breast implant safety and other essential public and consumer health issues. We are grateful for the support and training they have provided, and we continue to be impressed by their extensive work. This includes conducting training workshops, collaborating with various health organizations, and offering statements and testimonies to the FDA. The resources they provide for patients considering breast implants or seeking removal due to breast implant illness or other concerns are invaluable, and our nonprofit frequently shares these with those who reach out to us. I am deeply appreciative of NCHR’s ongoing commitment to public safety.
NCHR is a high-impact nonprofit because they combine deep expertise with strategic thinking. They play a unique and essential role by monitoring the operations of agencies like FDA and taking advantage of input opportunities that go unnoticed by most organizations. Whether they're testifying at an advisory committee meeting or submitting a coalition letter to an agency, they're always making compelling, evidence-based arguments for changes that will benefit patients and public health.
The National Center for Health Research is one of the few health nonprofits that doesn't accept funding from companies that make medical devices or drugs, which means you can always be sure that the information they provide is based on scientific evidence alone. Their work on medical device safety--particularly implanted devices like hip replacements and breast implants--has helped thousands of patients making treatment decisions or who have been harmed. One of the best things about them is that they don't limit themselves to one disease or area of public health and safety, so if you call with a health issue, staff there will do everything possible to get answers or direct callers to where answers can be found. They work to protect families with young children by investigating and testifying about the dangers of chemicals in the environment, including in artificial turf, as well as families with older relatives with Alzheimer's who are at risk of being prescribed treatments that are risky, ineffective, and expensive. NCHR is a small but mighty organization. It's lean and mean which means donations aren't wasted on big overheads, and the organization can quickly pivot to respond to emerging health issues if needed, as it did at the height of COVID. It's truly unparalleled in the nonprofit world!
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The National Center for Health Research is the only nonprofit I trust to deliver unbiased information about medical products--whether it's which blood pressure medication I should take or whether all these supplements and vitamins I see people buying actually improve health. The staff has the education and expertise to sift through all the research and extract the information that's truly important for the average patient or person managing a medical condition. When COVID-19 hit, I came to rely on their virtual conferences with experts because I could get answers to my questions, and I knew that the Center would make sure that everything was presented in language I could understand.
This center does an amazing job on behalf of women as consumers of health care and exists on a shoestring. They could be better funded if they were willing to accept money from drug and device manufacturers, but they are not.
When I was in Congress as a Robert Wood Johnson fellow in 2006, I observed the leadership of this great non-profit in action. They visited members of Congress with suggestions to strengthen the FDA reauthorization legislation in ways that enhance consumer protections. I observed many of their suggestions working their way into the legislation.
No matter what your line of work is, no matter what your party affiliation is, at some point in time you will be a consumer of drugs and medical devices. The National Research Center for Women and Families is looking out for your best interests. You may never see them in action, but their work will touch your life.
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This center does an amazing job on behalf of women as consumers of health care and exists on a shoestring. They could be better funded if they were willing to accept money from drug and device manufacturers, but they are not.
When I was in Congress as a Robert Wood Johnson fellow in 2006, I observed the leadership of this great non-profit in action. They visited members of Congress with suggestions to strengthen the FDA reauthorization legislation in ways that enhance consumer protections. I observed many of their suggestions working their way into the legislation.
No matter what your line of work is, no matter what your party affiliation is, at some point in time you will be a consumer of drugs and medical devices. The National Research Center for Women and Families is looking out for your best interests. You may never see them in action, but their work will touch your life.
The organization takes a disciplined, evidence-based approach to significant issues of public policy.
I have worked with this organization for years and know it to be one of the most well managed, ethical and effective advocacy voices out there.
The National Center for Health Research is an amazing resource that provides reliable information to patients and families dealing with various health conditions. NCHR is always responsive, and truly prioritizes patients over industry.
The information and resources provided by Diana Zuckerman and her team at the Cancer Prevention and Treatment Fund is incredibly helpful and covers a wide range of topics of interest and assistance to a large swath of individuals. Their site covers prevention, treatment and policy as well as easy to understand, useful medical information in layman's terms. Their topics cover things consumers need to understand in order to make intelligent decisions that will benefit them. I am proud to be a supporter of this organization!
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The work being done by the National Center for Health Research is incredible and its newsletters wonderfully helpful! A friend is using them in her classes, teaching health to high school students, and the articles provide useful, fabulous information. The breadth of articles - indicating the helpful, public-focused research they do - is incredible and certainly worthy of support! They are to be applauded and supported for their efforts.
The National Center for Health Research is an extremely valuable organization. This government watchdog keeps an eye on citizens' interests with expert testimony at FDA meetings. The COVID facts provided on the site provides readers with important information in easy to understand language. The National Center for Health Research serves Americans well!
As a journalist, I have found the National Center for Health Research an invaluable source of information. Not only is Diana Zuckerman an excellent contact for reporters on deadline, she has done remarkable work pulling together experts willing to give intensive briefings on a side variety of subjects, helping us understand the mechanics of clinical trials or New approaches to treating prostate cancer. During this time of COVID, she's arranged zoom briefings with cutting edge physicians and medical experts, illuminating the challenges of testing for COVID, and explaining other aspects of the pandemic and the development of a vaccine. This nonprofit does amazing work with a small, dedicated staff.
This organization stands out in providing research based, independent, plain english information and guidance on a host of health issues, big and small. Many in my generation lament the loss of "Walter Cronkite delivered news," having to read current news reports with a healthy degree of skepticism wondering what private interest may be being promoted, especially if it relates to a new drug, medical device or medical treatment. When I read a report from the National Center for Health Research, I take comfort that there are no hidden agendas. It is as refreshing as it is unusual.
After my wife, Mary Ann, passed away from Pancreatic Cancer, the National Center for Health Research organization has helped me to stay informed with the current cancer research. I support cancer research to stop the deadly disease. Nobody should have to give up their life to beat cancer. Money must be pumped into cancer research.
Dr. Zuckerman and the powerful work of the National Center for Health Research are the trusted resource for women's and families' health. This respected, independent watchdog has done so much to protect patients and public health. The National Center for Health Research has earned my strongest recommendation.
The National Center for Health Research has done a terrific job covering many critical issues for women - especially when it comes to medical devices. They are frequently in the mainstream press and often reach a wide audience with thoughtful, evidence-based arguments. - Judy Norsigian, Co-founder of Our Bodies Ourselves
I have been working with the National Center for Health Research over the past few years in regards to breast implant safety. I continue to be impressed by all of their work which includes providing training workshops, working with various collaboratives, providing statements and testimonies to the FDA. The resources they provide for patients considering breast implants or the removal of breast implants due to breast implant illness or other issues is one that our nonprofit often shares to patients that contact us. I am thankful for the work that the NCHR continues to do for pubic safety.
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The National Center for Health Research is absolutely incredible and has helped me tremendously! I really appreciate their hard work and all that they do to help explain the latest health research as well as work with others to improve access to health information. I rely on NCHR for accurate and trustworthy information and am so thankful for all that they do!
National Center for Health Research advocates for patient safety and provides accurate information to the general public on a number of important health issues. They are consistently a reliable source of news, studies, and well-needed values in a healthcare industry that often prioritizes profit over patients.
The National Center for Health Research is an invaluable resource across the public health sector. From conducting critical research and analysis on health policy to educating the public and the media about key issues, the NCHR is a go to resource for unbiased information about health research. And with a track record of impacting real-world health policy, the NCHR uses their deep knowledge to provide valuable trainings and convene powerful coalitions, providing a counterbalance to the influence of industry in our regulatory system. I am grateful for all they do!
When I experienced repeated failures of hip replacements, I went in search of answers. The National Center for Health Research became an essential source of information for me. I consistently find that their health research recommendations to the patient, medical, public, and regulatory communities are always based in the best practices for scientific evidence as well as outcomes that matter most to patients and the public. As an independent voice, the integrity of this non-profit is entirely free of outside influence. Their work on behalf of the public and patients in drug and medical device safety and effectiveness cannot be matched.
NCHR has been a tremendous resource for our small non-profit! Our public-health advocacy work around synthetic turf and synthetic playgrounds was critically boosted by having NCHR's voice during state and county government hearings, across the last several years of legislative advocacy. The organization's expertise and credibility was vital in presenting **science** and facts to these policy leaders. NCHR gave us the stature needed to sway these officials to our views. NCHR presented peer-reviewed, published research on the presence of carcinogens, endocrine disruptors and other toxins in these surfaces intended for our MOST vulnerable residents: our children. We simply could not have achieved what we did without the backing of respected scientists and policy advocates.
As president of our small non-profit, I can say there is NO WAY we could afford to hire a private expert to help with this work. It's thanks to NCHR that our elected state and county officials pay attention when we talk about our concerns. The
If you want the most bang for your charitable buck, consider making a donation to the national Center for health research. Of the many not for profits that I’ve been involved with, NCHR does the best job of efficiently achieving its goals and providing Value to its constituencies. Examples include providing important information to women about the risks of mastectomy‘s and helping news reporters today understand issues involving COVID-19. Dr. Diana Zuckerman ,the CEO, is nationally recognized as an expert in health policy and his is widely in the technical and popular press, including the New York Times, and Wall Street Journal. She also often testified before the FDA and Congressional Committees on topics of relevance to NCHR.
The National Center for Health Research is always supportive and available to assist and train patient advocates and others who are working on improving medical treatments and information with accurate evidence-based health information. Their knowledge of medical research and the history of drugs and device treatments is crucial in helping ordinary people, real patients and advocates, understand both the past as well as the present regulations. Their willingness to share their hard earned knowledge with patients and advocates enables them to focus on issues that are most important. NCHR does not accept money from the pharmaceutical or device industry. They are truly an independent and reliable source for information about drug and device safety. As a patient advocate, I am so grateful that NCHR exists.
National Center for Health Research truly represents the public. They are an independent voice that does NOT take money from industry. I only wish there were more organizations like them. They are truly one of a kind. You can always count on NCHR to be the non conflicted voice at FDA hearings.
I am always happy to support their work as I know they support the every day, real world patient. Without a doubt, my donation goes a long way and appreciate all their updates throughout the year.
The National Center for Health Research provides accurate evidence-based health information to the public and beyond. It is wonderful to have an organization that does this, especially during these times when politicians seem inclined to spin science for personal gain. If we want the public to believe in vaccines and therapies that actually work vs. those that do not, then we need unbiased organizations like the NCHR more now than ever. Thanks NCHR!
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I am a forner board member. I continue to be impressed by the great work that the National Research Center for Women and Families does to advance health, safety and wellbeing for us all. NRC is also an effective policy voice because their research is unbiased and not paid for through corporations/industries with an agenda. NRC has a presence in the media, provides a health hotline and gives information to a wide group of stakeholders so that best deciscions can be made.
The National Research Center for Women & Families is an invaluable resource for unbiased, science-based information to help women make better health decisions for themselves and their families.
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I have been very impressed with the way the center uses scientific findings to inform policy and advocacy. Women depend on the Center's website for credible information about health issues affecting them and their children. The CEO has a voice that is heard in government agencies, the media, on the Hill!
Their dialogues and presentations are inspiring others to do good and do more.
In 1968, at the age of 22, I received silicone implants after a bilateral mastectomy. For years I tried to tell doctors that I was ill from the implants, it seemed that no one would listen, nor really cared to listen.
Then National Research Center for Women worked hard to let us women have a voice and tell our stories before the FDA. Their efforts gave implanted women the opportunity to present our stories to the FDA.
And, The National Research Center for Women did this more than once.. and are still letting trying
Not only for the implanted to be heard, but so the young women who are considering getting implants will know the truth about implants, silicone and saline.
There is much information on NRC website on many subject of interest to women and is unbiased information.
I've spent over twenty years of my life suffering. I had silicone/saline breast implants. I know of thousands of others that are searching for unbiased /truthful information & feeling that we are not being heard or helped by the people who are suposed to be protecting the public. I first came across NRC when I was searching for information about my second set of implants that were ruptured. There was no trauma that caused the implants to rupture. I just awoke & it was deflated. I found NRC site very helpful! I really like the fact that the site shows you what studies have been done, what the research shows, who did the studies & most of all that the TRUTH is being told. Such a valuable site!
I phoned NRC a few different times. After explaining my situation Dr. Diana Zuckerman got on the phone. She was very helpful & so informative each time. She helped make a dying womens wish come true. Someone very dear to me passed on & had silicone breast implants from the 1970'S. She & her husband wanted to leave their bodies to science. There are certain restrictions having a body donated. I knew the implants had to be of interest. I was going in circles at the time & reached out to NRC. Thanks to the information & help I recieved I was able to get her donated to UCSF. Her husband passed a few weeks later. He too was donated. Our family will be forever grateful for NRC. I guess the implants were good for something. I'm really grateful for NRC & all they do to help women & their families!
I have been a donor and volunteer for the National Research Center for Women & Families ("NRC") since its inception. NRC fills an important gap between scientific research and the public's understanding of that research and how it affects their personal lives. NRC's newsletter and other publications are concise yet informative, easy to read, and really interesting. I also think it's really important to have an impartial voice in public policy and a watchdog over the FDA as it considers issues such as breast implants, cosmetics, food coloring, etc. NRC's president has many years of experience investigating Federal agencies as a Congressional staffer, so she is very knowledgeable about their inner workings; and now as president of NRC, she frequently testifies at agency and Congressional hearings. Competing lobbyists have a strong influence on public policy and it's often difficult to know whether to believe what they say. The NRC does not accept advertising, so its views on various issues of public policy are an important counterbalance to the powerful lobbying organizations.
I first used National Research Center for Women and Children when I was having a great problem with ruptured silicone implants (one capsule had even collapsed). The NRC has a website with information that other sites did not have, and I was frantic, because of all the health [problems I was experiencing.. The site gave me a very good explanation of what had happened..
I was told by a friend that the National Research Center for Women & Families might be able to help me with a needs assessment I was doing for my nonprofit organization. The goal of my needs assessment was to find out what the unmet needs were of adult survivors of child abuse and neglect. They provided free technical assistance for my national survey. Their expertise and willingness to provide helpful insights and suggestions will be invaluable as I prepare a more local version of my needs assessment.
I had the opportunity to volunteer with the National Research Center for Women & Families this past Fall, which was a wonderful, and certainly eye-opening, experience. I am currently in the process of applying to medical school, and I found my internship to give me a valuable perspective on health and patient safety. Throughout my time at NRC, I saw how the small team there works passionately and tirelessly in their efforts to advocate on behalf of patient safety, be it through testifying, writing op-eds, publishing research, etc. I had the opportunity to write health articles for the website, which revealed to me the strong emphasis NRC places on providing the public with research-based and objective information. The organization works with pivotal issues that often fall under the radar of many organizations. I was fortunate to help prepare for a conference on ductal carcinoma in-situ (DCIS), which revealed to me the thorough process through which NRC develops patient informational guides (taking into account a vast array of considerations, including cultural and socioeconomic factors). As both a patient, and someone who aspires to be a physician, I was certainly inspired by my experience at NRC, and I look forward to seeing the work they do in the future.
I had the privilege of serving as a policy & research volunteer in the summer of 2010. While at the NRC, I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful staff and many outside coalitions who were very much dedicated to bettering the health of women and families. They did this by (1) conducting research to provide accessible, easy-to-understand, accurate information on a variety of health issues, (2) advocating for fair, unbiased health-related policies to serve the best interests of women, and (3) collaborating with other organizations and agencies to ensure the health and safety of women, children, and families in policies and practices.
It is a great organization with a great mission and great, dedicated staff!
In the summer of 2009, I was fortunate enough to be accepted as an intern at the National Research Center for Women and Families. At NRC I had the opportunity to conduct research on women's health policy, health research, and health communications. It was such an exciting opportunity to be surrounded by a team of professionals dedicated to the advancement and empowerment of women's health policy. Seeing first-hand what it really meant to prepare sign-on letters, observe testimony, and assist in the preparation of grant proposals is an experience I will take with me throughout my career.
I first used the health information provided by the National Research Center for Women & Families (NRC) in 2005 when I started having trouble with a breast implant, which had been implanted in 1990 immediately after my mastectomy. My oncologist, plastic surgeon, and surgeon told me the implant was fine (when in fact it had ruptured) but I could see that the size of the implant had diminished.
The NRC website was a great source of information for me. I also called and e-mailed the organization with specific questions, which were always answered to my complete satisfaction. I have also used NRC's information in researching articles I wrote about the leaking and rupture of breast cancer implants
This organization offers a valuable service to Americans. They provide real, evidence-based information about health risks to Americans every day. Finding reliable and accurate information about current health risks can be difficult. The NRC offers a one-stop shop for a large variety of reliable health information on a huge list of topics!
I saw NRC’s book “Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed Out Adults”) and found it very helpful as the father of 2 daughters. It was reassuring to see that my thoughts on parenting paralled experts in the field.
Their web is very helpful, and they are also great on federal policy issues, such as reducing exposures to dangerous chemicals in our homes. That’s why I became a donor.