Friends of NICHD Coalition

The Friends of National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) is an independent coalition of over 100 organizations formed in the mid-1980’s to support the important role of NICHD. Member organizations represent scientists, physicians, health care providers, patients, and parents concerned with the health and welfare of women, children, families, and people with disabilities. Members do not pay a fee to join or belong.

The primary mission of the Friends of NICHD is to advocate on behalf of the Institute during the annual congressional appropriations and budget processes. The Friends also promote NICHD-funded research activities and advances by sponsoring briefings for congressional staff, mailings to Members of Congress and staff, drafting fact sheets, facilitating tours of the Institute and research facilities for Congressional staff, and submitting annual testimony to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees.

The 2009 Chair of the Friends of NICHD is Emil Wigode, Director of Federal Affairs at the March of Dimes. .

Statement of Mr. Emil Wigode, Chair on the Departure of Dr. Duane Alexander, NICHD Director NEW!