Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network Inc

Donna Appell, Founder and President of the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network, was appointed to the International Lung Health Committee of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) for the 2009-2010 year. The appointment was made by Dr. Randall Curtis, MD and president-elect of the ATS.

The International Lung Health Committee develops strategies to promote the global mission of the ATS to improve the health of patients worldwide with pulmonary and sleep-related conditions and critical illnesses. It recommends to the Board policies, guidelines, and programs that promote lung health worldwide. The Committee coordinates and facilitates the interactions of the Society with professional organizations based outside of the United States. The Committee also provides oversight for programs and partnerships co-sponsored or endorsed by the ATS but initiated or managed by international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations and agencies. The Committee also advises the Executive Committee regarding participation of ATS officers in programs sponsored by international organizations and works in collaboration with the Research Advocacy Committee to advocate for international research funding. The Committee will review, revise and implement an annual plan for the promotion of the Society’s international agenda and programs.

“Donna’s appointment to this committee is great for the HPS Network,” says Heather Kirkwood, vice president of the HPS Network, “It not only allows us to help the greater lung disease community further lung disease research and better health worldwide, but Donna will be able to make many useful international contacts to help us spread awareness of Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome around the world. The appointment is a big honor for Donna, and for the HPS Network.”

The year 2010 has been designated by the lung disease community as the Year of the Lung. This committee will be central to global efforts to promote awareness of all sorts of lung diseases and the need for more funding for lung disease research.