National Alopecia Areata Foundation

About National Alopecia Areata Foundation

The National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF) serves the community of people affected by an autoimmune skin disease called alopecia areata that results in hair loss and emotional pain. NAAF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1981 and headquartered in San Rafael, CA. Alopecia areata looks different for everyone. NAAF makes every effort to choose images that reflect the diversity of our community and the many ways people choose to live with their disease. Some have partial or total hair loss. Others have spontaneous or treatment-related regrowth, or hair loss that is camouflaged by wigs, head coverings or other tools. Everyone’s journey is unique. Mission NAAF drives research to find a cure and accessible treatments for alopecia areata, supports those impacted, and educates the public about the disease. Governance NAAF is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors with advice from two Research Advisory Councils--the Basic Research Advisory Council and the Clinical Research Advisory Council. NAAF consistently meets or exceeds the rigorous standards of excellence for good governance and transparency set forth by the National Health Council and the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Programs To carry out our mission NAAF staff members serve our constituents in three primary program areas: support, awareness & advocacy, and research to find a treatment or cure. Highlights from each program area are presented in our award-winning Annual Reports and Newsletters. Vision And Values Our work with and for the community of people affected by alopecia areata -- including the family, friends, medical professionals, research scientists, biopharmaceutical developers and government representatives who care about them -- is informed by a Vision for each of our program areas that articulates what we aspire to as a result of our work together and ten Core Values that guide how we work together as a team to carry out our mission and move toward our vision.