IDF - Patient Education Programs
As a patient-driven, service-based foundation, IDF provides substantial resources to the primary immunodeficiency community. Education for patients and families living with these diseases is a key part of IDF's mission. The Foundation not only provides educational materials and information to these individuals, it also offers crucial patient education programs to help them manage their disease.
For information about IDF education programs, click HERE for the IDF Calendar of Events.
Local Patient Meetings
The Immune Deficiency Foundation develops local education programs through regional members of our Volunteer Support Network. These volunteers share their experience and knowledge in one-day educational meetings presented for individuals, families and health professionals. Local Patient Meetings offer an introduction to IDF, and feature local immunologists and allergists addressing the treatment and management of primary immunodeficiency diseases. These meetings might also include insurance reimbursement specialists offering advice and resources, nurses speaking on therapy and life management issues and educational activities for children. IDF's Local Patient Meetings are the perfect occasion for patients and families to meet and share ideas.
Operation Outreach
IDF's Operation Outreach Program not only develops programs on the local level, but also features a network of patient contacts in regions currently without an active IDF program. Operation Outreach features one-day educational meetings that provide families and health professionals with an introduction to the Immune Deficiency Foundation, and includes activities designed to encourage peer support and networking. The meetings feature local clinical immunologists addressing the treatment and management of primary immunodeficiency diseases, insurance reimbursement specialists offering advice and resources, and pharmacists and physicians speaking on immunoglobulin therapy.
Operation Outreach is supported by an educational grant from CSL Behring.
IDF Retreats - For Persons Living with PIDD & Their Families
Whether the patient is newly diagnosed or has been living with a primary immunodeficiency disease for years,
IDF Retreats offer something for everyone. Traditionally held every other year, IDF Retreats consist of a weekend
program that start on Friday evening, and end at noon on Sunday. These regional meetings are for patients,
families and health professionals, and offer sessions that feature leading physicians and healthcare professionals
presenting information on the treatment and management of primary immunodeficiency diseases. Insurance specialists,
public policy experts and other qualified professionals discuss life management issues. Youth programs offer both
education and fun. Most importantly, these retreats create a time for patients and families to get together with
other people who are experiencing similar situations. Participants are encouraged to foster new friendships that
can help overcome the sense of isolation that patients and families with primary immunodeficiencies often experience.
The IDF Retreats are generously sponsored by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, CSL Behring, IgG America/ASD Healthcare, Octapharma and Talecris Biotherapeutics.
IDF National Conference
It has become a tradition for which everyone clears his or her calendar. Every other summer, IDF's National Conference brings together individuals from all sectors of the primary immunodeficiency community. The National Conference is the world's largest gathering of families affected by primary immunodeficiency diseases.
The Conference features three days of learning, discussing and sharing. World-renowned immunologists are on hand to share their time and expertise. Attendees learn about scientific advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of primary immunodeficiency diseases, and gain the skills needed to manage their health care. Also featured are inspiring seminars, informative keynote addresses and an enlightening, instructive symposium. Families benefit from the opportunity to meet other families and enjoy the festivities of social events, as well as talk with the faculty and sponsors in the interactive exhibit hall.
The Immune Deficiency Foundation National Conference is where our entire community comes together.
IDF Youth Programs
The Immune Deficiency Foundation is both attentive and responsive to the needs of the younger members of our community. Many of our retreats and conferences offer comprehensive educational programs that are fun and informative for children of all ages.
The IDF Youth Programs welcome children from ages five to eighteen, and non-patient siblings and relatives can also join in the fun and benefit from the education sessions. We want everyone to come, play and learn!
