National Eczema Association

A dramatic change for people living with eczema is on the horizon. Unlike any time in recent history, more science, more attention and more dollars are being devoted to understanding and treating eczema. In anticipation of this paradigm shift, in 2016 NEA began an aggressive strategic plan designed to significantly impact the health outcomes of millions of Americans living with serious eczema, or atopic dermatitis.
The organization is set to change the way eczema is viewed and treated by undertaking a set of five "transformation keys":
• Raise awareness about the burden eczema has on individuals and families and erase the stigma of eczema
• Equip medical practices with the most effective patient-centered models of eczema care
• Advance community-based models of eczema care
• Drive innovative research focused on improving patient quality of life and treatments
• Advocate to ensure treatment access and affordability

Through a variety of educational materials, including a patient-oriented magazine, a monthly electronic newsletter, and social media channels, NEA reaches a diverse audience that includes eczema patients, caregivers, medical professionals, industry, policy makers, and other stakeholders. NEA also conducts day-long forums, patient conferences and participates in a wide-variety of medical symposiums. Coalition for Better Eczema Care (CUBE-C) and Partners in Eczema Care (PIE-C) are NEA stakeholder groups working to better support eczema care. CUBE-C includes doctors, patients and researchers and is developing a program to educate health care professionals to improve eczema care. PIE-C includes allied health professionals dedicated to closing the gaps in eczema care for patients in their homes, schools and workplaces.
NEA supports a network of support groups (online and in person), an up-to-date website with the latest research and treatment information, a Seal of Acceptance program for products intended for eczema patients, and a research program advancing knowledge and care. All NEA programs and services result in benefits for eczema patients, their caregivers, and all other NEA stakeholders.

As the sole patient advocacy organization serving people with eczema, NEA is active year-round to promote eczema awareness and address issues critical to patient care. Advocacy efforts include advancing increases in skin disease research funding through the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) of the National Institutes of Health, as well as increasing public understanding regarding the burden of eczema.

RESEARCH
• Numerous scientific advancements have been published. These advancements range from eczema prevention to understanding the skin microbiome to identification of itch pathways.
• NEA engaged our community in a very important initiative with Northwestern University to develop new tools that measure both itch, and the stigma children experience as a result of their disease. The more we know about the true experience of living with eczema, the better the care and improvements will be.
• NEA continues to educate and make our community aware of clinical trials for their participation. NEA is developing new program elements, such as a comprehensive listing on our website, and enhanced communication vehicles to get the word out and make access to information easier to navigate.
• NEA members are engaged with our industry partners to help shape actual clinical trial protocol designs, and educate scientists and researchers on what's most important in eczema patient care.
ADVOCACY
• NEA's written submissions, along with the testimony of two NEA Ambassadors, were instrumental in the Institute for Clinical Effectiveness Research (ICER) final determination on the value of Dupixent. Dupixent is the first in a class of medications called biologics to be FDA approved for moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
• NEA joined two coalitions that reduce the barriers to care in the states of Texas and Iowa by improving step therapy and prior authorization regulations, thus allowing greater access to care.
• Our grassroots advocate in the state of Louisiana was victorious in establishing October as Eczema Awareness Month in that state. This exposure helps spread awareness that eczema deserves public attention and has a serious impact on the lives of patients and families.
• NEA's “Raise Your Voice" advocacy campaign program will support our NEA grassroots advocates across the country as they engage their local, state and federal representatives in advancing public policy.
EDUCATION
• We are exceedingly proud that NEA's physician education initiative, entitled Coalition United for Better Eczema Care (CUBE-C) is progressing at a rapid pace. Healthcare leaders representing dermatology, allergy, immunology, pediatrics, family care, and psychology are nearing completion of a holistic, patient-centered, physician education curriculum.
• Powerfully effective education programs for patients – such as our Webinar Wednesdays series, one-day Leaders in Eczema Forums.