4 health nonprofits we won’t shut up about
In case you’re looking to donate this Giving Tuesday (and beyond).
My college job was working for an NYC nonprofit that supplied under-resourced parents and guardians with the tangible essentials they needed — think strollers, diapers, warm winter coats — to provide for their families. My initial role was to sort, clean, and put together all of the in-kind donations (I quickly learned that toddler leggings give me life regardless of the color scheme or pattern); but I eventually worked my way up to being an assistant volunteer coordinator for corporations and the like. It was in this work where I developed a deep understanding of the inner mechanics of nonprofits, and what they’re often up against (so much bureaucracy, my goodness) to further their mission.
I’ve also been lucky in my career to collaborate with a huge variety of health organizations whose advocacy efforts range from condition-specific, like Crohn’s disease, to more general causes such as suicide prevention. While all of their missions are unique in their own way, there is a distinct through line I’ve consistently observed: Patients, caregivers, and large swaths of our communities rely on them.
And while we’re sharing this list on Giving Tuesday, you can use it any time.
🧠 Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA) — Headache disorders hit close to home for 3/4 of the BFFs (myself included), as well as millions of Americans. AHDA — which has been around for almost two decades — is an umbrella organization that spans medical providers, scientists, policy experts, patient advocates, caregivers, and partner organizations; and they are the leading voice in federal headache disorder advocacy. They’re incredibly passionate about equity in health care, and drafting legislation that goes far beyond lip service. Headache on the Hill is one of their most well-known initiatives. If you’re interested in participating in the in-person advocacy event this spring, fill out the online application by December 15!
🛟 American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) — AFSP is a favorite of ours because they talk about crisis management and suicidality in a way that’s equal parts nuanced, honest, and actionable. They have local chapters and events in all 50 states, including Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and regularly host virtual talks around topics such as firearm-specific suicide prevention, as well as disparities and discriminatory practices surrounding mental health care.
🧬 National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) — NORD is the most well-known nonprofit in the U.S. for people living with rare diseases (I’m one of them!). If I had a stack of intake paperwork for every time I’ve used their Rare Disease Database, I’d need a new office! (In all seriousness, check it out.) In their 40-year history, NORD has managed to advance research and policy for oft-overlooked diagnoses and put together a network of 340+ related advocacy orgs. They have an exceptionally large bank of resources too, and it’s searchable by condition area as well as a person’s relationship to a particular disease (e.g., caregiver, medical professional).
🌎 Partners In Health (PIH) — Health care is a fundamental human right. Full stop. Through their pioneering social justice-based model, PIH works with communities; local and national governments; and other NGOs to provide infrastructure and education in every facet of health care — not just hospital visits. In 2023 they provided 2.1 million women’s health checkups around the world as well as 821,000 COVID screenings. For a more specific peek into PIH’s work, I highly recommend reading about the programs they’ve implemented in countries like Liberia, Kazakhstan, and Sierra Leone. (P.S. If you are looking to donate to PIH, all gifts will be triple matched through midnight on December 3!)
I know I’m just scratching the surface on worthwhile nonprofits, so I’d love to know some of your favorite orgs in the comments! And to anyone working at a health-focused organization, I’m sending you so much gratitude for the countless hours and invisible work you put in on behalf of people like me. Thank you for the change and forward momentum you create with your work.