On March 5, 2026, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) announced a significant expansion of its Care Center Network, which now encompasses 96 sites across 40 states. This development marks the foundation’s first major growth since 2023 and aims to enhance access to specialized care for individuals suffering from pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).
“The continued development of the PFF Care Center Network is helping transform how patient care is delivered for people living with life-threatening, progressive lung diseases,” stated Sonye Danoff, Senior Medical Advisor for the PFF Care Center Network. “By expanding access to multidisciplinary expertise, we are ensuring that more patients receive comprehensive, specialized care closer to home.”
Newly Designated Care Centers
As part of this expansion, 11 new medical facilities have received the PFF Care Center Network designation. These centers are:
- Intermountain Health Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Louisiana State University (LSU) Multidisciplinary ILD Program at University Medical Center, New Orleans, La.
- Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz.
- Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, Fla.
- Montefiore’s Advanced Pulmonary Failure and Lung Transplant Program, New York, N.Y.
- Mount Sinai Respiratory Institute, New York, N.Y.
- Ochsner Advanced Lung Disease Clinic, Kenner, La.
- St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, Pa. (transitioning from a Clinical Associate to a Care Center)
- The Queen’s Health Systems, Honolulu, Hawaii (joining as a Clinical Associate site with UCSF as their Care Center partner)
- University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center Interstitial Lung Diseases Program, Cleveland, Ohio
- University of Mississippi Medical Center Interstitial Lung Disease Program, Jackson, Miss.
About the PFF Care Center Network
The PFF Care Center Network is composed of medical centers that meet stringent criteria developed with input from both ILD specialists and patient representatives. Each designated center boasts a multidisciplinary team that includes experts in pulmonary medicine, rheumatology, radiology, and pathology, along with dedicated clinical staff. These centers actively engage with local PF communities, providing resources such as support groups, educational materials, and activities tailored for patients, caregivers, and their families.
Clinical Associate members of the network extend care to patients living with PF and ILD who are not near a designated Care Center. These institutions operate closely with Care Centers to offer resources and make referrals as necessary.
Strategic Vision for Future Growth
This expansion aligns with the PFF’s strategic plan, dubbed “The PFF is ME,” which envisions Care Centers playing a crucial role in supporting both patients and community providers. The initiative aims to facilitate multidisciplinary discussions, share clinical expertise, and enhance care coordination. The PFF’s long-term goal is to continue its regional growth to better serve patients nationwide.
The Care Center Network now includes 96 designated sites across diverse locations, ensuring that patients have access to quality care. Some notable locations include:
- University of Alabama at Birmingham (Birmingham, Alabama)
- Cleveland Clinic Florida (Weston, Florida)
- Yale School of Medicine (New Haven, Connecticut)
- University of Minnesota Medical Center (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
- Stanford University Medical Center (Palo Alto, California)
The PFF is committed to accelerating research, empowering the pulmonary fibrosis community, and transforming care to improve the quality of life for all individuals affected by this condition. The foundation’s ultimate goal remains the search for a cure for pulmonary fibrosis, which has been a focus for over 25 years.
As the PFF continues to grow its network, patients can expect improved access to specialized care and resources. The expansion signifies a crucial step toward enhancing the quality of healthcare available to those battling PF and ILD.
For more information about the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and its initiatives, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844-TalkPFF (844-825-5733).
