The American Liver Foundation (ALF) is a

non-profit organization A nonprofit organization (NPO), also known as a nonbusiness entity, nonprofit institution, not-for-profit organization, or simply a nonprofit, is a non-governmental (private) legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public, or so ...

that promotes

liver The liver is a major metabolic organ (anatomy), organ exclusively found in vertebrates, which performs many essential biological Function (biology), functions such as detoxification of the organism, and the Protein biosynthesis, synthesis of var ...

health and

disease prevention Preventive healthcare, or prophylaxis, is the application of healthcare measures to prevent diseases.Hugh R. Leavell and E. Gurney Clark as "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting physical and mental health a ...

. The mission of the ALF is to facilitate, advocate and promote education, support and research for the prevention, treatment, and cure of liver disease.

ALF History

Although liver disease is among the ten major causes of death in the United States, there was no national voluntary health agency devoted exclusively to combating liver diseases until 1976, when the American Liver Foundation was created by the

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) is a leading organization of scientists and health care professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease. AASLD was founded in 1950 by a group of leading liver specialist ...

(AASLD). This organization of scientists and healthcare professionals was concerned with the rising incidence of liver disease and the lack of awareness among both the general public and the medical community. The mission, the programs and the services provided by American Liver Foundation complement the work of AASLD. Currently, the American Liver Foundation has 16 Divisions across the U.S.

ALF Education Programs

The liver may be the largest organ in the body, weighing in at 3½ pounds, but it is neither the most popular nor the best understood. So when a diagnosis of liver disease is made, it can be a frightening and confusing time in the lives of many patients and their families. One of the most powerful ways of maintaining liver health and preventing liver disease is education. Many forms of liver disease are preventable, and many more can be cured if detected early. Yet tens of thousands of people in the U.S. are living with liver disease and do not know it. For this reason, ALF implements a wide range of educational and preventative efforts.

ALF Research Awards

Research is integral to the work of the American Liver Foundation and is essential to improving, treating and finding a cure for liver disease. Since 1979, the Research Awards Program has provided more than $26 million in research funding. Over 850 qualified scientists and physicians have pursued careers in liver disease research and treatment as a result of receiving these grants early in their careers.
American Liver Foundation & AASLD Research Awards Program, accessed March 31, 2019.

References

External links

Official website
{{authority control Medical and health foundations based in the United States Non-profit organizations based in New York City Hepatology organizations