How Voluntary Health Organizations Are Changing Patient Care: 5 Key Ways They Help

Voluntary Health Organizations (VHOs) are nonprofit groups dedicated to combating specific diseases through:

✔ Research funding (e.g., American Cancer Society’s $500M/year in grants)

✔ Patient support (free counseling, medical equipment loans)

✔ Public advocacy (lobbying for insurance coverage and policy changes)

Did You Know?

The American Heart Association has funded 49 Nobel Prize-winning researchers

78% of VHO donations go directly to programs (Charity Navigator)

"We don’t just write checks—we build bridges between labs and living rooms."

— Dr. Elena Torres, Research Director at JDRF

1. Accelerating Medical Breakthroughs

Example: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation co-developed Trikafta, a drug that improved lung function by 40%+ in trials.

How they help: Fund risky early-stage research private companies avoid.

2. Providing No-Cost Patient Services

Free programs include:

• • Ride-sharing to chemo appointments (ACS Road to Recovery)
  • Summer camps for kids with diabetes (JDRF)
  • 24/7 nurse hotlines (American Lung Association)

3. Advocating for Policy Change

Recent wins:

• • Medicare now covers Alzheimer’s drugs like Leqembi (thanks to Alzheimer’s Association lobbying)
  • State bans on tobacco sales to under-21s (American Lung Association campaign)

4. Educating Communities

Free resources:

• • CPR training kits (AHA)
  • Symptom checkers (American Stroke Association)

5. Creating Support Networks

Virtual groups for rare diseases (e.g., NORD’s 1,500+ online communities)

Use these trusted vetting tools:

• Charity Navigator (90%+ score = low overhead)
• GuideStar Platinum Seal (financial transparency)
• BBB Wise Giving Alliance

Red Flags:

❌ Less than 65% of funds go to programs

❌ No annual reports publicly posted

Case 1:

*"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society paid my $5,000/month cancer copays—saving my home from foreclosure."*

— Marcus T., AML survivor

Case 2:

"My daughter got a free insulin pump through JDRF’s emergency fund."

— Priya N., mother of child with Type 1 diabetes

Pro Tip: Many employers match donations—ask your HR department!

Q: Are donations tax-deductible?

A: Yes, if the group has 501(c)(3) status (check IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search).

Q: How do I know if a VHO helps MY condition?

A: Search [Disease] + ‘patient support organization’ (e.g., "MS patient support").

Q: Can VHOs help with medical bills?

A: Some offer copay assistance (e.g., PAN Foundation).

[Search Our Vetted VHO Directory]

Call Their Helpline (Most have 24/7 support)

Share Your Story (Helps them secure funding)

*"Without the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, I’d never have accessed $300,000/year in medications."*

— Sarah K., MS patient